Vagus nerve stimulation uses a small implanted device that sends regular mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck, which in turn influences brain activity. It is used for drug-resistant epilepsy and reduces seizure frequency for some people rather than eliminating seizures.
Vagus nerve stimulation uses a small implanted device that sends regular mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve in the neck, which in turn influences brain activity. It is used for drug-resistant epilepsy and reduces seizure frequency for some people rather than eliminating seizures.
A generator about the size of a small pocket watch is implanted under the skin below the collarbone, with a lead running to the vagus nerve in the neck. It delivers pulses on a set cycle, and the settings are adjusted over time to balance benefit against side effects. Many systems also allow a magnet to be swiped over the device to trigger an extra burst of stimulation when a seizure begins or an aura is felt, which some people find useful.
It is a reduction treatment rather than a cure. Benefit typically builds over months rather than appearing immediately, and most people continue anti-seizure medication alongside it. The commonest side effects relate to stimulation reaching nearby structures: hoarseness, voice change, throat sensations, cough and shortness of breath during stimulation. These often lessen as settings are adjusted and as people get used to the device.
Implantation is a surgical procedure carried out at a specialised centre. Clinical Neurology Specialists performs no surgery, so the role here is identifying drug-resistant epilepsy in the first place, confirming the diagnosis with prolonged EEG where episodes are in doubt, and referring for evaluation when medication has not achieved control after two adequate trials. Ongoing neurological care continues here alongside whatever the specialised centre provides.
Clinical Neurology Specialists has been physician-owned since 1998, when Leo Germin, M.D., FAANEM founded it. Five board-certified neurologists and four advanced practice providers see patients at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices, each with its own AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratory.
Clinical Neurology Specialists is an adult outpatient neurology practice for patients 18 and older. The practice performs no surgery and operates no imaging suite, infusion suite or interventional pain programme, and provides no emergency or inpatient care.
Physician-reviewed. Reviewed by the physicians of Clinical Neurology Specialists — board-certified neurologists, AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, physician-owned since 1998. Reviewed 1 August 2026. This article is general education for adults 18 and older and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Sources and further reading: MedlinePlus: epilepsy; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; American Academy of Neurology.
Adults 18 and older, at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices. Call 702-804-1212 or request an appointment online.