University of Memphis student, Stephen Rogers, is one of the first patients in the country to receive the newest model of VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) therapy, an FDA approved device for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. The 21-year-old student received the implant November 9 and is doing well following the surgery.

This cutting-edge treatment was the perfect solution for Stephen who suffered his first seizure at age 20 and was diagnosed with epilepsy shortly thereafter. His father, Rick Rogers, recalls it was a very frightening experience when Stephen suddenly became unresponsive during a conversation. The family took him to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with epilepsy and prescribed medication to control the condition.

Stephen estimates that he has tried at least six different antiepileptic drugs since being diagnosed, but he continued to have breakthrough seizures with each of them. Even worse, the side effects of these medications left him groggy and fatigued and made his studies increasingly difficult. Stephen's epilepsy eventually forced to him to reduce his course load and give up many activities and freedoms that typical 21 year-olds are able to enjoy. Desperate for a treatment option, Stephen and his family turned to the neurologists at Le Bonheur Children's for help.

Stephen and his family met with Drs. Amy McGregor and James Wheless and learned about VNS Therapy, often referred to as a "pacemaker for the brain." An ideal candidate for the procedure has been on two or three medicines, but still has seizures. Once evaluated in Le Bonheur's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, neurologists can decide if VNS Therapy might be a good fit. For Stephen, VNS Therapy was the last result and best hope for controlling his seizures.
 
Stephen received the VNS Therapy implant earlier this month. His surgery went very well, and he hopes to come off some of his medications soon and resume the lifestyle typical of a healthy young adult.

VNS Therapy manufacturer Cyberonics asked Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center to be the first facility in the country to implant this new model. Dr. James Wheless, director of Le Bonheur Neuroscience Center and Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, has been involved in the development of VNS Therapy since 1995. He and Le Bonheur's team of neurosurgeons implanted the first two devices in the USA in November.

"This new device represents a significant advance over the prior models in the treatment of epilepsy. We are happy to continue to be on the forefront of new treatments for children with epilepsy at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center." Wheless said.