Posted by lifetime on February 1, 2006, at 13:51:42
In reply to Re: Vagus Nerve Stimulator activated today! » lifetime, posted by ed_uk on February 1, 2006, at 13:01:54
Hi Ed,
When the amplitude was increased from .50 mA to .75 mA she experienced pain in her neck and the left lower rear quadrant of her jaw each time the prosthesis cycled and activated. Others I have collaborated with have indicated in addition to my spouse’s experiences they have shared chocking and/or gagging sensations, swallowing difficulties, voice problems consisting of lack of volume and raspy speech, sleep disturbances, snoring etc. The potential side-effects from the therapy can be found by reading the patient’s and/or physician’s manuals on the company’s website. In most instances, over time, the side-effects tend to abate.
My wife’s amplitude setting is considerably higher today but it did take a period of time to achieve. Currently my spouse has no sensations from the prosthesis as it cycles 24/7/365.
If anyone is familiar with a “tens” unit for back pain or muscle spasms this may represent a reasonable analogy. As one turns on the “tens” unit the stimulation is relatively comfortable and over a short period of time the amplitude can be turned up and one can still be comfortable but if the amplitude is abruptly increased the resultant affect is discomfort and/or pain.
I hope my response reasonably answers your question.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com.
poster:lifetime
thread:574518
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060129/msgs/605181.html