Published on Aug. 24, 2026
For individuals living with drug-resistant epilepsy, finding relief can feel like a never-ending struggle. When medications fail to control seizures, patients and families often face uncertainty about the future. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy can potentially help for those whose seizures do not respond to traditional medications.
VNS therapy is an add-on treatment for focal or partial seizures that are resistant to standard seizure medications. The thin wire is gently positioned around the vagus nerve to deliver precise stimulation. The therapy works by sending gentle, regular pulses of electrical energy to the brain through the vagus nerve, which serves as a critical communication pathway between the brain and body. These pulses help regulate brain activity, potentially preventing seizures or reducing their severity and frequency.
For individuals who have exhausted other treatment options, VNS therapy represents a promising, long-term path toward stability, independence and improved quality of life.
How VNS Therapy Works
The vagus nerve runs along the neck and connects the brain to major organs throughout the body, including the heart, lungs and digestive system. By stimulating this nerve with controlled electrical pulses, physicians can help stabilize abnormal brain activity that causes seizures.
The implanted device functions much like a pacemaker for the brain. It is designed to deliver mild stimulation at regular intervals, which over time helps retrain how the brain responds to signals that may otherwise trigger a seizure. Most patients do not feel the stimulation, though some may notice mild throat sensations or voice changes during activation.
The VNS Implantation Procedure
Implanting the VNS device is a straightforward surgical procedure that typically takes one to two hours and is performed under general anesthesia. The procedure is minimally invasive and designed for a quick recovery. Once the device is in place, it is programmed externally to adjust the intensity and frequency of the pulses based on the patient’s needs. It involves two small incisions:
- Chest incision: Used to place the pulse generator, a compact device that sends electrical signals.
- Neck incision: Allows for the insertion of a thin wire (lead) that connects the generator to the vagus nerve.
Patients often get to go home the same day. Recovery following the procedure is often quick, and many individuals resume normal activities within a few days. Follow-up visits are essential to fine-tune the device settings and monitor the patient’s progress.
Who Is a Candidate for VNS Therapy?
VNS therapy is primarily recommended for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy— defined as epilepsy that has not responded to at least two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). AEDs help prevent or reduce seizures by targeting the brain’s electrical activity.
VNS therapy may be especially beneficial for patients who:
- Are not eligible for resective brain surgery
- Have complex epilepsy syndromes such as Lennox-Gastaut or Dravet syndrome, which involve multiple seizure types and are difficult to manage with medication alone
- Continue to experience frequent focal onset seizures despite ongoing treatment
Before undergoing VNS therapy, several factors should be evaluated:
- Overall health, especially heart and lung function, since the vagus nerve interacts with these systems
- Emotional readiness and the ability to commit to regular follow-up care
- Support system, including family or caregivers, as managing the device requires ongoing monitoring
VNS therapy is approved for patients as young as 4 years old, making it a viable long-term treatment option for both children and adults.
Effectiveness and Outcomes of VNS Therapy
Clinical studies show that VNS therapy significantly improves seizure control for many patients with drug‑resistant epilepsy. While results vary, benefits often increase over time. Some studies report up to a 75% reduction in seizure frequency after 10 years of consistent therapy.
Beyond seizure reduction, many patients report:
- Faster recovery after seizures
- Improved alertness and focus
- Greater emotional stability
- Enhanced overall quality of life
These improvements are often sustained or even enhanced with time, making VNS therapy a valuable option for patients who have exhausted other treatments.
A Transformative Path Forward
For individuals struggling with drug‑resistant epilepsy or treatment‑resistant depression, VNS therapy offers more than another treatment — it offers hope. By reducing seizure frequency, improving recovery and enhancing emotional well‑being, VNS can help patients regain independence and quality of life.
At Long Beach Medical Center, VNS therapy is provided through the MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute’s advanced multidisciplinary team. Patients are evaluated by neurologists, neurosurgeons and neurodiagnostic specialists working collaboratively to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. This program is supported by nationally recognized neurologic services, including U.S. News & World Report’s High Performing designation in Neurology and Neurosurgery and ABRET-accredited neurodiagnostic programs — underscoring the institute’s commitment to precision, innovation and personalized care.
To learn more, visit MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute.
About the Author
Dr. Nima Ramezan, medical director, MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, is Board Certified in Neurology, Vascular Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Neurocritical Care. He attended University of California Irvine as an undergraduate and received Bachelors of Science in Biology and Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. He then obtained his Medical Degree at the University of California Irvine College of Medicine. He subsequently completed his Internship, Neurology Residency, and fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
Dr. Ramezan is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Medicine at University of California Irvine.
Dr. Ramezan is the current Medical Director of Neuroscience and Stroke Program at Long Beach Medical Center and Memorial Neuroscience Institute. He is routinely involved in working with nursing and staff at Long Beach Medical Center for improvement of the neuroscience program and patient care in the hospital.
Dr. Ramezan has been a Sub-investigator in multiple clinical trials in Stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, migraine, and Parkinson’s disease. He has a special interest in Stroke and Epilepsy with emphasis on critical care management of these neurologic disorders. He also has been Certified in Neurosonology and interpretation of Transcranial Doppler studies. In 2022, he was recognized as a Top Los Angeles Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal. He is fluent in English and Farsi.
