It can happen at any time, any where, each year. Millions of Americans suffer seizures – caused when signals in the brain misfire. But now, new technology and man’s best friend may stop them before they start.
It can happen at any time, any where, each year. Millions of Americans suffer seizures – caused when signals in the brain misfire. But now, new technology and man’s best friend may stop them before they start.
Many years ago, a brain injury left Terri Krake suffering from the most serious kind of seizures –grand mal seizures.
“I’ve broken my ankle. I’ve had my knees scoped a couple of times, I’ve broken my nose a couple of times, from the falls because I don’t have any warning whatsoever,” Terri Krake, a seizure patient, told Ivanhoe.
For years, Terri had seizures four to five times a week, sometimes several a day. Medications didn’t work to stop them and brain surgery wasn’t an option. Neurologists tried this device – called a Vagus Nerve Stimulator –or VNS–which did work, and the device also got a helping hand from Terri’s dog, Brody.
“What Brody has brought into this picture, which um, I’m sorry it’s emotional for me because he has made such a big change,” Krake said.
The VNS is implanted in the chest area and can be turned on or off with a magnet swiped over it, sending mild stimulation to the vagus nerve in the neck.
“It keeps the abnormal discharges from spreading throughout the brain and causing seizures,” John Cochran, M.D., Neurologist at Inova Fairfax Hospital told Ivanhoe.
When Terri has a seizure, and falls, Brody nestles his neck and collar near the stimulator. A magnet attached to his collar sets the stimulator off, stopping or minimizing the seizure. Even without Brody the stimulator can greatly reduce seizures.
“On average about half of the patients have a 50 percent reduction in their seizures,” Dr. Cochran added.
The device and Brody have changed Terri’s life. She never leaves the house without either.
“Before the implant and before Brody I was pretty much housebound,” Krake explained.
Science and man’s best friend help give lives back.
It costs $25,000 to sponsor an assistance dog team, start to finish. All assistance dogs are provided to the client at no charge.
Source: Ivanhoe.com
