Neurostimulation therapies

When medication is not effective and surgical intervention is not an option, the Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center offers the latest neurostimulation epilepsy treatments.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

For patients who are not eligible for surgery, an electrical device known as a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) may be placed near the brain to help improve the brain’s electrical activity. This can be just as effective at reducing or eliminating seizures as traditional surgery.

This FDA-approved epilepsy treatment involves surgical implantation of a medical device in select individuals. The device is implanted just beneath the collar bone, and an under-skin cable connects the device to the vagus nerve in the neck. The device delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve intermittently to reduce seizures.

RNS system

This technology uses an implantable device that is placed in or on the brain. The implant detects and responds to the onset of seizures with electrical stimulation, similar to a heart defibrillator.