Vagus Nerve Stimulator

Table of Contents

A vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is a small device implanted under the skin near the collarbone. A wire under the skin connects the device to the vagus nerve in the neck. At the first sign of a potential or actual seizure, or as described in the learner’s emergency action plan, a special magnet may be used to activate the device and decrease the severity of the seizure.

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a type of neuromodulation. It is designed to change how brain cells work by giving electrical stimulation to certain areas involved in seizures.

The vagus nerve is part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions of the body that are not under voluntary control (such as heart rate and breathing). The vagus nerve sends information from the brain to other areas of the body. It also carries information from the body to the brain.

The goal of VNS therapy is to reduce the frequency, length, and severity of seizures. 

The instructional steps assist the registered nurse working under the auspices of the school or program in professional judgement and accountability of delegation. Additional steps may be required depending on the learner’s health needs.

Steps

  1. Position the student to provide as much privacy as possible.
  2. Wash your hands. Have or help the student wash their hands (if the student is alert)
  3. Have the student assist as much as possible
  4. At the onset of seizure activity, note the time the seizure was observed.
  5. Position the student safely, if necessary, in the recovery position.
  6. Note the student’s skin color and breathing effort.
  7. If the magnet is not near the student, stay with the student and ask another adult to bring the student's Emergency Action Plan and magnet to you.
  8. Follow the Emergency Action Plan
  9. To activate the VNS, swipe the magnet over the device from the center of the body to the armpit, taking about 3 seconds to do so
    1. If you are unsure an effective swipe was made, swipe the magnet again.
    2. You may swipe after 60 seconds for another activation if the seizure continues. (This is not harmful to the student.)
  10. After the magnet has been swiped over the device, keep the student in a safe (recovery) position,
  11. Note the time applied and continue to observe
  12. Call EMS (911) only if indicated in the Emergency Action Plan.
  13. Wash your hands. Have or help the student wash their hands.
  14. Notify the school nurse, parents, and others as directed in the Emergency Action Plan.
  15. Document the date and time, procedure completed, student’s response to the procedure, your initials and signature, any communication with 911, the school nurse, or the parents in the student’s healthcare record.
  16. Debrief with the school nurse if this was an emergency, and 911 was notified.