What is vagus nerve stimulation? Vagus nerve stimulation was first recognized in the 1930s as a way to induce changes in electrical activity in the brain, and was first proposed by Zabara in 1985 as a treatment for epilepsy. Vagus nerve stimulation is a small medical device that is implanted under the left clavicle. The electrodes of the stimulator are fixed to the vagus nerve in the neck, and the stimulator continuously emits electric current, which is transmitted to the brain through the vagus nerve, causing changes in brain electrical activity and neurotransmitters, thus achieving the purpose of treating epilepsy. What kind of patients with epilepsy are suitable for vagus nerve stimulation? Vagus nerve stimulation is mainly suitable for children, adolescents, and adults with intractable epilepsy that cannot be controlled by medication, especially for patients with epilepsy who cannot undergo craniotomy or are unwilling to undergo craniotomy, patients with extensive lesions, and patients with poor results after other surgical treatments. What are the advantages and disadvantages of vagus nerve stimulation? The procedure of vagus nerve stimulation does not require craniotomy, which is a safer procedure and causes less damage to the patient. The risk of surgery is lower than that of traditional epilepsy lesion removal surgery, and minor complications such as hoarseness, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, and nausea may occur after surgery, and the above symptoms will improve or disappear by adjusting the intensity of stimulation. The surgery also does not cause drug-related CNS toxicity such as memory loss, confusion, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating, and drug allergy. Vagus nerve stimulation achieves the treatment of epilepsy through less damage. Seizures are reduced and less severe with VNS treatment, and in some patients they disappear completely, and in addition many patients report that their mood improves, their sensitivity increases, and their memory is enhanced. The device has been used in more than 80,000 patients worldwide. The disadvantage is that the device is more expensive.