JAKARTA, investor.id – Epilepsy is a condition characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain and is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting approximately 1-5% of the population worldwide. This disease can appear in all age groups, it can occur in children and older adults. This disease also does not respect certain ethnicities.
Dr. Dr. Made Agus Mahendra Inggas, Sp.BS, FINPS from Siloam Hospital Lippo Village Karawaci said, one of the innovations in epilepsy management is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).
According to this neurosurgeon, this procedure involves installing a device that stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce the frequency of seizures. VNS is usually offered to patients who do not obtain satisfactory results from conventional antiepileptic treatment.
VNS installation is carried out under general anesthesia. A small device is implanted under the skin of the chest and connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. This procedure is safe and has a relatively short recovery time.
“Once the device is in place, VNS works by delivering regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. “This can help stabilize electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of seizures,” said Made in a written statement in Jakarta, Tuesday (29/10/2024).
Criteria for patients who may be candidates for VNS are having epilepsy that is not controlled with medication, suffering from severe seizures that affect quality of life, and not having other medical conditions that could endanger the procedure.
VNS may provide an alternative for patients looking for a way to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures, as well as improve their quality of life. Epilepsy requires in-depth understanding for its management.
“With the right diagnosis and appropriate management, epilepsy patients can live better and more productive lives. “Education about this condition, as well as treatment options such as VNS, is critical to increasing awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding epilepsy,” he said.
VNS Installation Procedure
The VNS installation procedure is carried out under general anesthesia. The neurosurgeon will implant a small device under the skin of the chest and connect it to the vagus nerve in the neck.
“This process is relatively quick and safe, with minimal recovery time. Patients can usually go home the same day after the procedure,” he said.
VNS works by delivering regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve which then sends signals to the brain. This method can help stabilize electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the possibility of seizures.
Research shows that this stimulation can increase the availability of neurotransmitters that support chemical balance in the brain, which in turn helps reduce the frequency of seizures.
One of the main advantages of VNS is that it can be used together with antiepileptic drugs without increasing the risk of side effects.
For many patients, VNS can offer more significant seizure reduction, even when medications do not provide satisfactory results. These advantages make VNS an attractive option for those seeking additional solutions to manage their condition.
Like other medical procedures, VNS also has side effects. Some possible side effects include throat sounds, pain in the implant area, and difficulty swallowing.
However, most of these side effects are mild and can be managed with adjustments to the stimulation program. It is important for patients to discuss with their medical team about possible side effects and how to deal with them.
Post-Therapy Monitoring Process
After VNS implantation, patients will need to undergo regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the device and make adjustments to the stimulation level if necessary. The medical team will work closely with the patient to monitor the frequency of seizures and evaluate whether any changes need to be made to improve the results of therapy.
Response time after VNS implantation varies between individuals. Some patients may begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may need several months before experiencing the full benefits of therapy. Patience and good communication with the medical team are key to managing expectations during this process.
“Doctors have an important role in explaining the VNS procedure and its benefits to patients and their families. Good education can help reduce anxiety and increase understanding of what to expect during and after the procedure,” he said.
“Doctors need to explain not only the installation process, but also how VNS works and what results are possible,” he continued.
Seizures Are Very Varied
According to a neurologist, Dr. Retno Jayantri Ketaren, Sp.S from Siloam Hospital Lippo Village Karawaci, seizures in epilepsy can vary greatly, from mild to severe.
“It is important to differentiate epilepsy from other seizure disorders, such as seizures febrile or seizures due to infection. “The disorder is not recurrent and is not caused by an underlying neurological problem, so knowledge of this difference is very important,” he said.
Symptoms of epilepsy vary depending on the type of seizure and the individual involved. Some common symptoms include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled movements, such as tonic-clonic seizures, and strange sensations, such as feelings of déjà vu or hallucinations.
“Each individual may experience different symptoms. “While some patients may only experience mild seizures that do not interfere with daily activities, others can experience more complex and disturbing seizures,” he explained.
Diagnosis of epilepsy is carried out through a series of steps that include collecting a medical history, physical examination, and supporting examinations. The medical history includes questions about the frequency, duration, and characteristics of seizures while the physical examination aims to evaluate overall health.
Meanwhile, supporting examinations such as EEG (electroencephalogram) and MRI, help identify abnormal electrical activity in the brain and detect possible lesions or structural abnormalities.
Controlled epileptic seizures refer to a condition where a patient’s seizures can be controlled in frequency and intensity with certain medications or interventions. The main goal of epilepsy treatment is to achieve good control, where the patient experiences a significant reduction in the number of seizures experienced.
Treatment for epilepsy generally includes the use of antiepileptic drugs, which aim to control seizures. However, not all patients respond well to medication and in some cases, surgery or special diet therapy may also be considered. The management approach must be adjusted to the type of seizure, age and health condition of the patient.
Editor: Imam Suhartadi
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Unlocking the Brain: A Cheeky Dive into Epilepsy and Vagus Nerve Stimulation!
Hello, ladies and gentlemen! It’s time to get a little shocking because we’re diving into the world of epilepsy! And no, not the “I’ve forgotten where I parked” kind of shocking. I’m talking about a serious neurological condition that sparks more interest than a cat video on the internet – and that’s saying something!
What’s in a Seizure?
So, what is epilepsy? Well, it’s like that unwanted guest at a party – it just keeps coming back! Affecting roughly 1-5% of the world’s population, epilepsy is all about those uninvited seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, throwing a rave in your head where everyone isn’t invited. From kids to elderly, this little condition doesn’t discriminate. If you thought only bad jokes could spread across all demographics – welcome to the club!
Vocal Cords and Vagus Nerves!
Now, in a breakthrough that sounds like science fiction, we have Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) – a procedure where they’ll literally implant a device to stimulate the vagus nerve. Yep, the vagus nerve! The one that connects to your brain and apparently carries more weight than your ex’s excuses. Dr. Made Agus Mahendra Inggas from Siloam Hospital Lippo Village is leading this charge, telling us that VNS can help reduce those pesky seizures for patients who say “medication, schmedication!”
Imagine this: under general anesthesia, a tiny device is placed under your skin – like a tech-savvy implant from the future. Once it’s in there, the device starts sending regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, helping to stabilize the brain’s electric ballet and turning off the lights at the seizure party. As Dr. Made puts it, this can dramatically impact the quality of life. But hold your horses – side effects could include some throat sounds. And not the kind you make when passionately singing at a karaoke bar!
Who’s on the Guest List for VNS?
So, who can join this electrifying experience? If medication feels like throwing spaghetti at the wall (and hoping some sticks!), and the seizures are still waltzing in uninvited, VNS might be the ticket. Not having other conditions that could make the procedure risky is also a plus. So, it’s complicated – maybe not as complicated as understanding your tax return, but you get the picture!
Monitoring and Managing Expectations – Like a Relationship!
After the VNS procedure, it’s all about teamwork! You’ll need regular monitoring like a couple trying to figure out who’s doing the dishes. Sometimes improvements can happen quicker than a caffeine buzz, while others may take a while longer. Just remember, patience is key – and communication with your medical team is vital. You’d think we’re talking about a first date, not a medical procedure!
Understanding the Seizure Spectrum!
Now let’s talk variety! Seizures come in all shapes and sizes – from “Oh, is that a mild one?” to “Holy moly, call the paramedics!” Each person’s experience can be different, which adds another layer of complexity to epilepsy. Diagnosis can be a bit like a detective novel; not all clues make sense right away!
But fear not, our heroic doctors, like Dr. Retno Jayantri Ketaren, are here to help differentiate these disorders. It involves some serious sleuthing – collecting medical histories, physical exams, and tests like EEGs. If you thought your last analysis on social media scrutiny was tough, think again!
Wrapping It Up!
In this dazzling exploration of VNS and epilepsy, we’ve uncovered that medical advancements are more than a little riveting. They’re giving hope to those whose lives are in the grip of this unpredictable condition. With the right support, diagnosis, and treatment, people can lead more vivid, productive lives – like transforming an old sitcom into a blockbuster movie!
So, don’t be shy about chatting up your doctor if seizures are crashing your party! Because with VNS, we might just be peering into a future that’s a little more calm, a little less "seizures," and a lot more fabulous! Thanks for tuning in, and remember – keep those brain cells dancing, but only if it’s to a rhythm that works for you!
Editor: Imam Suhartadi
