This article explores the story of Brooke, a teen girl living with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE), and her experience with VNS Therapy™. There's no owner's manual for caregivers of children with DRE, but Brooke's family learned to not let drug-resistant epilepsy be a barrier to their happiness.
After trying and failing multiple anti-seizure medications, Brooke's parents decided on VNS Therapy™ as an add-on treatment to help reduce her seizures and improve her quality of life.
Brooke's Story with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
When Brooke's parents first noticed signs of seizures in their baby girl, their initial concern turned into a profound worry as they realized the severity of her condition. "It was scary," her mother recalls. "I didn't recognize what was happening at first. The epilepsy I knew was from TV, and it was far from the reality we were facing." Her mother's intuition told her something was wrong. She remembers rushing to the children's hospital, filled with worry for her daughter.
Brooke's dad shares a sentiment echoed by many parents of children with DRE and special needs: "Something that always gets me is when people say, 'I could never do what you do.' But there's no manual, and when it's your child, you have to do whatever you can. We've learned to strive and not let epilepsy be a barrier to our family's happiness."
The journey to finding an effective epilepsy treatment was filled with challenges. They tried numerous medications, but none seemed to provide lasting relief. As Brooke's seizures continued, "we felt lost and overwhelmed," her mother admits. "We were determined to find a way to improve Brooke's quality of life."
Brooke’s family has been on a journey of trialing different therapies and medications since she was born. "Off the top of my head, I think we've tried over 20 pharmaceuticals,” Brooke’s mom said. “Some have worked. Some have worked for a little while, kind of like a honeymoon period. Some haven't worked at all." These challenges made it difficult for Brooke to reach developmental milestones.
Brooke's Experience with VNS Therapy™*
"We were relieved to hear about VNS Therapy™," Brooke’s mother explains. "After trying so many medications without success, it felt like a breakthrough." After careful consideration, research, and discussions with their doctor, they weighed the potential benefits and risks before deciding to proceed with VNS Therapy™ as an add-on treatment for their daughter.
VNS Therapy™ is an add-on neuromodulation treatment designed for people with drug-resistant epilepsy 4 years of age and older with partial onset seizures. It can safely lead to fewer and shorter seizures and better recovery after seizures.
The VNS Therapy™ device was implanted with minimal pain, and Brooke’s hospital stay was short. As for side effects, Brooke sometimes had a certain effect on her vocal cords or coughed a little bit when the VNS Therapy™ device settings were adjusted.
Brooke is not seizure-free but pre-VNS Therapy™ she had hundreds of seizures and lots of ambulance rides because her rescue meds weren’t working. Now, post-VNS Therapy™ her overall seizure activity has been reduced.
After Brooke had the VNS Therapy™ implanted, she's been able to participate more fully in activities she loves, and her family has seen a positive impact on her overall quality of life. "We're incredibly grateful for the positive impact VNS Therapy™ has had on Brooke," her mother shares. "It has given us hope for the future and allowed Brooke to live a more fulfilling life."
*Individual results may vary, view Important Safety Information here.
VNS Therapy™: Important Considerations for Caregivers
If you're a caregiver of a child with DRE, remember that every individual's experience with VNS Therapy™ is unique. Before considering this treatment option, consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it's suitable for your child and to discuss risks and potential side effects.
Brooke's journey is a powerful reminder of hope. VNS Therapy™ has significantly improved her quality of life, allowing her to participate more fully in activities she loves.
To learn more about VNS Therapy™ and to watch Brooke's inspiring story, please visit this video.
You can also take a Suitability Assessment to see if VNS Therapy™ might be right for your child, just click below.