Vagal nerve stimulation
NEUROSTIMULATION
At HCA UK, we offer vagal nerve stimulation — an advanced treatment which can improve seizures
What is vagal nerve stimulation?
This is normally used to reduce the frequency and severity of intractable epilepsy but there are other potential applications for depression, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
The electrical current comes from a tiny, implanted generator.
Need to know
-
What happens during implantation? icon plus
Vagal nerve stimulation is carried out under general anaesthetic. Your consultant surgeon will implant the pulse generator under the skin in your chest, using small incisions. Your surgeon will then connect the device to the vagus nerve (the left vagus nerve, as the right carries nerves to the heart) using very fine wire under the skin. The device will be activated after you have recovered from surgery.
-
How to prepare icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. You'll be having general anaesthetic for this procedure and should be able to go home the same day. Please make sure someone is able to collect you from the hospital.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
After implantation icon plus
When you've recovered from your vagal nerve stimulation, your consultant will activate the device. They will show you how to use it and when to switch it off.
This device will send mild electrical pulses through to the vagus nerve and then to the brain, modifying the signal. This can reduce the severity and frequency of epileptic attacks, severe depression and even symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Our consultants
We're proud to work with leading neurosurgery consultants who specialise in a range of conditions that affect the functions of the brain.
Our locations in London
From complex neurosurgery to diagnostic tests, scans and minor procedures, we provide exceptional neurosurgical care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
-
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
-
Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
-
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
16 Devonshire Street
Marylebone
London W1G 7AF
-
Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private Neurostimulation in Birmingham
-
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Private Neurostimulation in Manchester
-
HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
Request an appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants in neurology or neurosurgery
Call us on
020 7079 4344