Changes

VNS, manufactured for example by Cyberonics, Inc.<ref name="Medtronic Receives European CE Mark Approval">U.S. Food & Drug Administration. VNS Therapy System - P970003s050. U.S. Food & Drug Administration [online]. 2016. Available online at: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=P970003 (Retrieved 6.12.2016)</ref>, sends regular, mild pules of electrical energy to the brain via the vagus nerve. It is placed under the skin in the chest and in the neck.<ref name="VNS">SCHACHTER, S.C., SIRVEN, J.I. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). Epilepsy foundation [online]. 2013. Available online at: http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/devices/vagus-nerve-stimulation-vns (Retrieved 2.12.2016)</ref> VNS began clinical investigation in 1988 and was approved by FDA (Premarket Approval) for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy in 1997. VNS is intended to treat epilespy of partial-onset seizures. But recent studies have suggested to treat with VNS other epilepsy syndromes, such as idiopthic generalized epilespies and Lennox-Gestaut syndrome. Efficacy of VNS in the sizures reduction is ranging between 35 - 50%. It always depend on the particulary study. VNS has been associated with positive improvement of alertness and mood. The negative side effects are connected with acute phase after implantation (intermittent hoarseness (28%), cough (14%), voice alteration (13%), paresthesias (12%), headache (4.5%), and shortness of breath (3.2%)).<ref name="Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Epilepsy"/>