The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Vagal nerve stimulation
NEUROSTIMULATION
At HCA UK, we offer vagal nerve stimulation — an advanced treatment which can improve seizures
What is vagal nerve stimulation?
Vagal nerve stimulation is where the vagus nerve is stimulated through a mild electrical current.
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
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.
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.
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 Vagal nerve stimulation locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
Devonshire Street W1G 7AF London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chiswick Outpatients
Bond House 347-353 Chiswick High Road W4 4HS London
Chelsea Outpatients
280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.