Should I offer vagus nerve stimulation as part of my neurology practice?

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a safe and effective adjunctive therapy approved for patients with partial-onset seizures. A pulse generator, which is implanted in the chest wall, delivers programmed electrical pulses through an electrode that is attached to the left vagus nerve. VNS plays an important role in the treatment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. It is currently offered in academic as well as private practice settings. After a comprehensive workup is performed, VNS should be offered to patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are not candidates for surgery.