RNS vs VNS

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Could the RNS System be right for me? Start Quiz

RNS® System and VNS Therapy – What are the Differences?

The RNS System is the only FDA-approved epilepsy device that recognizes and responds to what’s happening in your brain in real-time to prevent seizures at their source.

RNS System vs. VNS Therapy

The RNS System VNS Therapy
Where stimulation is delivered RNS delivers stimulation to the seizure source Seizure source1
(in the brain) 		VNS delivers stimulation to the vagus nerve Vagus nerve2
(in the neck)
Monitors & responds to brain activity Yes No
Records EEG data for your doctor to review Yes No
Stimulation side-effects No chronic stimulation side-effects3 Potential voice changes and hoarseness4
The RNS System
Where stimulation is delivered RNS delivers stimulation to the seizure source Seizure source1
(in the brain)
Monitors & responds to brain activity Yes
Records EEG data for your doctor to review Yes
Stimulation side-effects No chronic stimulation side-effects3
VNS Therapy
Where stimulation is delivered VNS delivers stimulation to the vagus nerve Vagus nerve2
(in the neck)
Monitors & responds to brain activity No
Records EEG data for your doctor to review No
Stimulation side-effects Potential voice changes and hoarseness4

How the RNS System Works

1. Razavi, et al. Epilepsia. 2020. 2. LivaNova VNS Therapy System Epilepsy Physician Manual, May 2020 3. Nair, et al. Neurology. 2020. 4. Spregners M, et al., Cochrane Review, 2017

Hear from people who have had the RNS System and VNS Therapy


 

 

Hear from patients and caregivers who have had experiences with both
therapies.

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

Paul, Susan’s son, used to have seizures that would throw him out of bed.
“After the RNS, his seizures look more like a sneeze.” -Susan

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

Paul has been treated with both the RNS System and VNS Therapy.

The RNS System can recognize the onset of Paul’s seizures and automatically send stimulation to stop the seizures.

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

The RNS System recognizes & responds to your specific brain patterns.

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

With the RNS System, Josh can feel a seizure stop before it progresses

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

Kimball has had the RNS System and VNS Therapy for 10 years each. One thing he likes about the RNS System is that it works without him feeling anything.

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

 

 

“In our experience, the NeuroPace RNS System has been much more impactful” – Julie (wife of Josh, who has the RNS System and VNS Therapy)

Every individual’s seizures are different and individual results will vary.

Courtney tried VNS therapy, but she achieved seizure control with the RNS System.

In 2008, she tried VNS Therapy, but it didn’t help with her seizures. It also affected her vocal cords when she tried to speak or sing. Now with the RNS System she is close to being seizure-free.

“To my amazement, the RNS System soon reduced the frequency and severity of my seizures… As my doctor has fine-tuned my medications, I’ve reached the point where I am close to being seizure-free.” -Courtney*

Courtney

*Every person’s seizures are different and individual results will vary

FAQ

Could I be a candidate for the RNS System if I already had the VNS Therapy?

Yes, having had VNS Therapy does not exclude you from being a candidate for the RNS System. The RNS System is for individuals aged 18 and older who have tried at least 2 anti-seizure medications but still suffer from focal seizures that come from one or two areas of the brain. There are many individuals who have also had VNS Therapy. You can read about some of their stories by selecting the “Prior VNS” filter on the stories page. 

How is the RNS System different than VNS Therapy?

The RNS System is the only FDA-approved epilepsy device that recognizes and responds to what’s happening in a person’s brain in real time to prevent seizures at their source. You can read about more of the differences in the chart at the top of the page.

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Are you taking this survey for yourself or a loved one?


















If you are an existing RNS System patient, please direct questions to your physician or NeuroPace Customer Service at (866) 726.3876. Quiz submissions from existing RNS System patients are not accepted.

How old are you or your loved one? 
Do you or your loved one still have seizures even after trying 2 or more different anti-seizure medications?

Which of the following types of epilepsy have you or your loved one been diagnosed with?
Which of the following procedures have you or your loved one had (check all that apply)?
Are you being treated at one of the epilepsy centers below? If yes, please select that center. If your center is not on the list, please select “My center is not on the list.”
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It appears you may be a candidate!

To learn more about the RNS System and centers offering the RNS System, please include your phone number below and a Nurse Educator will contact you. 

If you do not provide your phone number, we will only email information about the RNS System to you.





By submitting this form, I give permission for NeuroPace to contact me via phone, email, or text message from time to time including regular informational emails. I understand that I can opt out of one or all communication methods at any time. NeuroPace will never sell my data or personal information, and I agree to the company's privacy policy.
The RNS System is not currently FDA approved for patients under the age of 18. However, we are currently enrolling patients in the RESPONSE Clinical Study to evaluate the RNS System in teens ages 12 through 17. To learn more, click "Done".

It appears that you may not be an appropriate candidate for the RNS® System at this time. It is FDA approved for people 18+ years of age with focal epilepsy who are still having seizures despite trying two or more medications. 
It appears your loved one may not be an appropriate candidate for the RNS® System at this time. It is FDA approved for people 18+ years of age with focal epilepsy who are still having seizures despite trying two or more medications. 

The RNS System is not currently FDA approved for patients with generalized epilepsy. However, we will be enrolling patients in the NAUTILUS Clinical Study to evaluate the RNS System in patients with primary generalized epilepsy. To learn more visit  https://www.neuropace.com/providers/clinical-research/



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    The RNS System is for individuals 18 and older who have focal epilepsy and have tried two or more medications without finding seizure control.

  • Based on your answers, your patient might benefit from the RNS System.

    Get your profile and a list of questions to ask your doctor.

  • Unfortunately it appears your patient is not an appropriate candidate for the RNS® System at this time.

  • The RNS® System is intended for patients who have undergone diagnostic testing that localized no more than 2 epileptogenic foci.

    If your patient has not undergone diagnostic testing, search here to find a comprehensive epilepsy center that can evaluate your patient, including determining if the RNS System is right for them.

  • If you are interested in learning more about the RNS® System, you can have an RNS® System professional contact you by filling out the form below:

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