Vagal Nerve Stimulators

The vagus nerve is one of the many nerves that carries messages to and from the brain. It helps regulate internal organs such as the heart and stomach. Nerve fibers within the vagus nerve are connected to the part of the brain that we think is responsible for producing seizures. By stimulating the vagus nerve, we hope to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Vagal nerve stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves placing a small electric stimulator in the neck around the vagus nerve and a power source near the armpit or chest. The device works like a cardiac pacemaker to stimulate the left vagus nerve. It automatically sends intermittent electrical signals to the brain. It also can be manually activated to attempt to interrupt a seizure that's just starting.

At UCSF Children's Hospital, our neurologists and neurosurgeons are experts in implanting vagal nerve stimulators in children to help treat seizures in diseases such as epilepsy.

For more information or to make an appointment, please call:

You may need a referral from your child's primary care doctor. Please check with your medical benefits or health insurance representative.

For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007