SURGICAL TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY

Thanks to Brain Pacemaker surgery, it is possible to get rid of the symptoms of diseases that make your life difficult, especially dystonia, Parkinson's and epilepsy. And in just a few hours!

Surgical Treatment of Epilepsy

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) surgery or Epilepsy Battery surgery, which is currently the most effective epilepsy treatment method known, is performed on the same principle as a Brain Battery. The Vagal Pacemaker is a very tiny device. Unlike the brain pacemaker, it stimulates the brain by transferring electricity along the vagal nerve, not in the brain.

How is Epilepsy Battery Surgery Performed?

The Epilepsy Battery is placed under the patient's left collarbone. The electrodes that connect to the brain and the wires that connect the pacemaker in the chest are attached around the vagal nerve. The device is programmed in the outpatient clinic before surgery to provide electric current at regular intervals.

Follow-up After Epilepsy Battery Surgery

The device is switched on two weeks after surgery. The patient may need to see a doctor every two weeks or so. Then, after the medication levels and necessary tests are done, these intervals increase to several months. It has been observed that the seizures that patients have after VNS Surgery are greatly reduced.

What are the Effects of Epilepsy Battery Surgery?

Epilepsy Battery surgery is not a definitive solution for epilepsy. The aim of the surgery is not to eliminate seizures, but to improve the quality of life of patients by reducing their number and severity. Since the material from which the pacemaker is produced is chosen to be suitable for the human body, there will be no situation such as the body not accepting it.

How Long Do Epilepsy Batteries Last?

Epilepsy batteries have an average lifespan of 5-10 years. The expired battery is replaced by a small incision under the collarbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Diseases Does Neurology Cover?

Neurology is the medical specialty and main science dealing with diseases affecting the brain and nervous system. Therefore, diseases related to the nervous system such as head traumas, tumors, Alzheimer's disease, Amorosis Fugax, bipolar disorder, brain damage, chronic fatigue syndrome, disorders of consciousness, Down syndrome, Dystonia, Parkinson's, Tremor, Neuralgia, etc. fall within the treatment area of neurology.

Should Persistent Headaches Be Taken Seriously?

Headaches are usually not a sign of something serious. Headaches caused by stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol and dehydration are common. However, if your pain is abnormally severe or does not go away, you should see a neurologist. Headaches that do not go away may be one of the first symptoms of brain tumors, aneurysms or cerebral hemorrhage.

Can I undergo an MRI after having a brain pacemaker implanted?

Brain pacemakers do not restrict patients' daily lives. However, care should be taken when entering magnetic areas such as detectors and MRI machines. Since brain pacemakers contain metal, they can trigger alarm systems. Patients with brain pacemakers are not recommended to enter MRI machines. If MRI imaging is necessary, patients should tell their doctor about the brain pacemaker.

Does a Brain Pacemaker Affect Pregnancy and Childbirth?

The settings of the brain pacemaker can be changed according to the patient's needs and do not interfere with delivery. However, whether the patient's current condition is suitable for this depends on the examination of the neurology doctor. Since the chemicals in the brain change during pregnancy and the contractions experienced especially by patients with movement disorders do not affect the pregnancy process positively, patients should be under regular medical follow-up throughout their pregnancy.

Is it Safe to Exercise with a Brain Pacemaker?

We have already mentioned that the brain pacemaker does not restrict the person's life. Our patients can continue their lives from where they left off, they can also do sports and exercise. They just need to avoid boxing and similar close sports that can cause head trauma or take the necessary precautions.

Does an Epilepsy Battery Eliminate Seizures Completely?

Like a brain pacemaker, an epilepsy pacemaker does not completely eliminate the disease. Epilepsy pacemakers are used to reduce the severity and number of seizures. If the patient can anticipate a seizure, they can adjust the pacemaker and have a much milder seizure.

How Do Battery Treatments Affect Daily Life?

Battery therapies such as brain pacemakers and VNS pacemakers help to improve the quality of life of patients. They do not cause negative situations in daily life. On the contrary, they increase patients' self-confidence and self-love and positively affect their psychology by helping them to become self-sufficient.

What is the Success Rate of Neuromodulation Treatments?

Neuromodulation therapies, which recode damaged areas of the brain with stimulants such as electricity or chemicals, are used in the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders such as depression, chronic pain, movement disorders and constitute the latest solutions in the treatment of these diseases. Since all the necessary preparatory steps are carefully carried out before surgery and patients are monitored even during surgery, the risk rates are very low.

Can my disease be treated without surgery?

To answer this clearly, you need to know what your illness is, what stage it is in and how your body reacts to medication. If you think you have a serious illness or are wondering whether your diagnosed illness can be treated without surgery, you can contact us.

What is Metastasis?

Metastasis is the spread of malignant tumor cells, also known as cancerous cells, outside the tissues where they are found, either through blood or lymph, and the growth and spread of cancerous cells in healthy cells. There are various ways to treat it and treatments aim to find the cancerous cells and prevent them from growing and spreading.

Are Brain Tumor Surgeries Risky?

A brain tumor is an emotionally difficult process for the patient and their relatives. It is very important that patients are supported by their relatives during this process. Brain tumor surgery has risks like any other surgery. Some unwanted complications may also develop after surgery. The most common of these are headache and fatigue, both of which are temporary. The patient is kept under observation for a while to prevent any edema or infection.

PROF. DR. TANJU UCAR

If You Want to Learn; Ask Prof. Dr. Tanju Uçar!

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