1. < Epilepsy & Seizures
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Will a dead Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) battery do me harm?

Posted by lsittll @lsittll, Jul 29, 2021

I have a dead VNS battery in my chest. I WILL NOT have the battery replaced. I must pay thousands of dollars for non surgical related fees because I am in an HMO.but I do not feel comfortable having a dead battery inside my body. I am afraid the corrosion of the battery will do something to my body. I wish I could pull the VNS out of my chest .
Of course my doctor says it will do no harm other than increase my seizures.. But is has not been beneficial in 21 years. Does anyone think a dead battery in ones body will do any harm? Please help calm my fears.

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mayberrylife6785 | @mayberrylife6785 | Dec 31, 2025
In reply to @lsittll "@jakedduck1 Thank you for your effort in what you have done to assist me. As I..." + (show)
Profile picture for lsittll @lsittll

@jakedduck1
Thank you for your effort in what you have done to assist me.
As I stated in my earlier post this thing has never done any good. I would not have had all the seizures I have had since that thing has been in my body.. It has only been the addition of the drug Zonisamide that has made things better. But my doctor insists the VNS is what is doing it. I'd like to know her reasoning. The battery has been very low and become dead but my seizures are still extremely less, monthly, bimonthly. So how can it be the VNS?
Thank you again.

Laurie

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@lsittll I received my first VNS in 2001 I believe and my second one a few years ago , they replaced the VNS as well as the battery this one only lasted a few years. It did not help me while on and off im not doing well either. I feel the medication has helped me some. I am having problems with my seizures, sleeping , breathing, muscle spasms , eyesight, hot flashes , heart palpitations, dizziness and falling and their is more much more.

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mayberrylife6785 | @mayberrylife6785 | Dec 31, 2025
In reply to @santosha "Hi @lsittll I am sad to hear that the VNS has not been a good experience..." + (show)
Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor @santosha

Hi @lsittll
I am sad to hear that the VNS has not been a good experience for you.
According to your posts, it looks that the AED Zonisamide is keeping your seizures more under control than the VNS. I understand you have had the VNS already for years, correct? I also do not know the answer. But, have you thought of searching for a second medical opinion, scheduling an appointment preferably with an epileptologist?
What I have read is that an epileptologist after finishing the general training in brain neurology, he or she does 2 to 3 additional years to become an epileptologist to learn how to take care of people with epilepsy. There are so many diseases that affect the brain that someone who is a general neurologist will hardly be up to date on every new medicine, device, technology, etc., regarding epilepsy.
I, myself, have been treated by neuropsychiatrists, neurologists, before treating by an epileptologist. I see a big difference!!!
All the best to you!
Santosha

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@santosha I am not a fan of the VNS make sure you way all your options before getting it. Its permanent . Your health care gets limited. You no longer can have MRI'S if needed. I have needed MRI 's for the past 3 years and surgeons refuse to remove the leads to the Vagus Nerve. If this would have been explained to me better I would have never agreed to this procedure.

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mayberrylife6785 | @mayberrylife6785 | Dec 31, 2025
In reply to @mayberrylife6785 "@santosha I am not a fan of the VNS make sure you way all your options..." + (show)
Profile picture for mayberrylife6785 @mayberrylife6785

@santosha I am not a fan of the VNS make sure you way all your options before getting it. Its permanent . Your health care gets limited. You no longer can have MRI'S if needed. I have needed MRI 's for the past 3 years and surgeons refuse to remove the leads to the Vagus Nerve. If this would have been explained to me better I would have never agreed to this procedure.

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@mayberrylife6785
Im now dealing with medical conditions that may have been caught if I was able to have a MRI.

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Profile picture for Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor
Mentor
Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Dec 31, 2025
In reply to @mayberrylife6785 "@santosha I am not a fan of the VNS make sure you way all your options..." + (show)
Profile picture for mayberrylife6785 @mayberrylife6785

@santosha I am not a fan of the VNS make sure you way all your options before getting it. Its permanent . Your health care gets limited. You no longer can have MRI'S if needed. I have needed MRI 's for the past 3 years and surgeons refuse to remove the leads to the Vagus Nerve. If this would have been explained to me better I would have never agreed to this procedure.

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@mayberrylife6785
Thank you so much for sharing this with all of us. I had no idea that having a VNS means you can no longer have MRIs. That's such an important consideration before deciding on a VNS!
Based on what @iamkendrajb and @lsittll shared earlier in this discussion, it sounds like VNS removal is actually possible. This made me curious, so I did a bit of searching and learned that while the device is meant to be permanent, it can be removed if needed. I came across this scientific article that might be helpful:
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Removal or Replacement Involving the Lead and the Electrode: Surgical Technique, Institutional Experience and Outcome - Pubmed
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28012885/
Have you had a chance to get a second or even third opinion about whether removing your VNS might be an option for you?
Chris

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