The device, called the Vagus Nerve Stimulator is designed to prevent seizures.
Many epileptics can control seizures with medication or surgery.
However, 15-20 percent of patients do not respond to these treatments. The vagus implant is a timely device for this segment of the population. The vagus nerve stimulator works similarly to a pacemaker. It delivers intermittent electric pulses 24 hours a day to the brain through a wire in the neck connected to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve stimulator is made by Cyberonics, a Texas based company.