VAGUS NERVE STIMULATOR AS A TREATMENT FOR REFRACTORY EPILEPSY – ONE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Epilepsy is defined as a neurological disorder manifested by an excessive and abnormal electrical neuronal discharge. Refractory epilepsy still remains quite frequent condition, considered 30-40% of all patients with seizures, despite improvement in medication possibilities. Vagus Nerve Stimulator offers a neuromodulation approach when other treatment possibilities are exhausted. This minor procedure is safe but carries potential risks for anesthetic management and anesthesiologists should be aware of the physiological implications of the device and anticipate and manage possible complications.