Monash part of global study investigating how vagus nerve stimulation controls epilepsy

Monash University is part of a global consortium to study why
stimulating the vagus nerve is effective for controlling epilepsy

The Vagus nerve is one of the most important cranial nerves in the body – conveying information to and from the brain to most visceral organs. It is responsible for the control of diverse homeostatic processes essential for life, including cardiovascular function and gut motility. 

Since the early 90’s electrical stimulation of the human vagus nerve, via surgically implanted electrodes wrapped around the nerve, has been established as an important treatment for selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. How it works is poorly understood, but Monash University has joined forces with a global consortium funded USD$21M to find out more.

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Participants sought: How does epilepsy affect control of blood pressure?

How does Vagal Nerve Stimulation reduce epileptic seizures?

The Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is seeking participants for a research study to compare how epilepsy affects the control of blood pressure. We want to find out how Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS), an effective treatment for drug- resistant epilepsy, works to reduce seizures and to reduce the elevated cardiovascular risk associated with epilepsy.

Who can participate?