AspireSR®
Find answers to commonly asked questions about AspireSR® in our knowledge base
How does Detect and Respond mode work?
8 in 10 people living with seizures experience a rapid increase in heart rate before or during a seizure. AspireSR can detect this increase and responds by delivering an extra automatic stimulation. This new feature may help you better manage your seizures.
Is there a risk of receiving too much stimulation?
The detection system in the device has built in safety mechanisms that will make sure that you will not get too much stimulation.
What happens when I exercise?
The detection system of AspireSR is designed to respond to rapid increases in heart rate. If you are exercising and your heart rate increases rapidly you may receive an extra dose of therapy, but this will not harm you in any way as it is very similar to receiving an extra stimulation via the Magnet Mode.
What if I don’t like the automatic stimulation?
The new Detect and Respond function can be switched off so you only receive standard VNS Therapy.
What is AspireSR?
AspireSR is the first and only VNS Therapy that provides responsive stimulation. The AspireSR generator contains 3 modes: Standard Mode, Magnet Mode and now Detect & Respond Mode.
Standard Mode1
Ongoing delivery of mild pulses to the vagus nerve. Treatment is delivered at regular intervals all day, every day so you do not have to worry about missing a dose.
Magnet Mode
Manual delivery of an extra dose of therapy as needed. Magnet Mode may be used during Standard Mode and Detect & Respond Mode.
NEW! Detect & Respond Mode2
Responsive automatic delivery of an extra dose of therapy when a rapid increase in heart rate is detected that may be associated with seizures.
1. Also known as Normal Mode
2. Also known as AutoStim Mode
When automatic stimulation is activated, does that mean I’m about to have a seizure?
Not in all cases. AspireSR is designed to detect and respond to rapid increases in heart rate, which may be associated with a seizure. Depending on your medical condition and the settings programmed by your healthcare professional, an automatic stimulation may or may not be associated with an actual seizure. Your healthcare professional will be able to give you more details during follow up visits.
When automatic stimulation was activated and I did not have a seizure, does this mean my seizure was prevented?
Not in all cases. AspireSR is designed to detect and respond to rapid increases in heart rate, which may be associated with a seizure. Depending on your medical condition and the settings programmed by your healthcare professional, an automatic stimulation may or may not be associated with an actual seizure. Your healthcare professional will be able to give you more details during follow up visits.
Will it feel different from my previous device?
Your healthcare professional will programme the settings for the automatic stimulation the same way as he/she is doing for the Standard Stimulation and Magnet Mode.
If you think stimulation is coming on too much or too little, or if you feel discomfort, your healthcare professional can adjust the settings appropriately.
Will this replace my magnet?
With AspireSR you can still use the magnet to receive extra stimulation or to stop your stimulation to manage side effects as with previous generators of VNS Therapy.