VNS Therapy™ Safety FAQs

MRI can be safely performed provided with the VNS Therapy System provided specific guidelines are followed. Speak to your doctor about which areas of the body can be safely scanned. MRI scan requirements are different depending on your VNS Therapy generator model and the implant location. You can find more MRI safety information here.

If you have VNS Therapy device model 102, 102R, 103 or 104, MRI scan requirements are different. Speak to your doctor about which areas of your body can be safely scanned.

VNS Therapy has been studied for more than 25 years and has proven to be a safe and effective way of treating drug-resistant epilepsy. It is safe to use with other medicines with none of the side effects typical of anti-seizure medications. While there are some side effects, the most common can be reduced or eliminated by adjusting the device settings with your doctor.

The most common side effects of VNS Therapy include:

• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Coughing

These side effects generally only occur during stimulation and usually decrease over time. The most common side effect of the VNS Therapy implant procedure is infection. You can find more safety information here.

At the airport, we recommend that you provide the security personnel with your VNS Therapy ID card, which explains you have an implanted medical device. You can request a pat down check instead of walking through metal detector.