RNS vs VNS | Compare Epilepsy Treatment Devices

RNS vs VNS

Could the RNS System be right for me? Start Quiz

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.