Tad Saffarally

Sharing knowledge on topics related to neural stimulation (especially new advancements and discoveries)

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

#FUNDCUNY @NYGOVCUOMO @NYCMayor NYCMAYOR

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

30% of RNS users attained at least 90% seizure reduction over the course of a 3 month observation. 29% had achieved one or more 6 month period without seizures
https://t.co/kBpDZmF643

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

RNS installation necessitates diagnostic testing to find the location where the patient's seizures start. The surgeon then puts the leads at the source
https://t.co/kBpDZmF643

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

NeuroPace claims its RNS System to be the first medical device with the ability to both monitor and respond to brain activity. Unlike VNS devices, the RNS system is implanted under the scalp
https://t.co/d7Rpmv1BY2

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

Magnet mode is another favored feature of VNS devices. It allows the user to manually deliver extra stimulation through the use of a magnet, and therefore ensures greater patient satisfaction
https://t.co/AQdXjWN2SH

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

Standard mode on most devices that use VNS is to an universal. Mild pulses are delivered at regular intervals at all times. What may vary is the frequency and duration of the stimulation
https://t.co/AQdXjWN2SH

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

AspireSR is a prominent model for VNS treatment for seizures. It comes with three modes: Standard, Magnet, and Detect and Response
https://t.co/AQdXjWN2SH

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

SenTiva comes with detect-and-respond mode, intended for the prevention of seizures and suppression during seizure. It also amasses and records associated events, such as changes in heart rate and body position
https://t.co/MUTMHuTLDO

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

The concise design of SenTiva is ideal for increased comfort with pediatric patients. At its approval, VNS Therapy was the only VNS device approved for treatment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy as young as 4 years old
https://t.co/MUTMHuTLDO

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

SenTiva is the smallest and lightest responsive therapy for epilepsy. From patient feedback the VNS Therapy System was created with the goal of improved patient care, cost effectiveness, and ease of access
https://t.co/MUTMHuTLDO

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

LivaNova has obtained FDA approval for its VNS Therapy System. This includes SenTiva, the implantable generator, along with a VNS Therapy Programming System in order to treat patients of drug-resistant epilepsy
https://t.co/MUTMHuTLDO

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

Long-term effects of using gammaCore have not been considered. So while gammaCore is approved in the U.S. and is also used internationally (including in the EU), its effectiveness and safety is not established for chronic cluster headache treatment
https://t.co/K5wCwjrhuU

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

Cluster headaches is a rare, but debilitating disorder. gammaCore stimulates the afferent fibers of the vagus nerve when put above the nerve on the neck of a patient. This can result in pain reduction for these patients
https://t.co/K5wCwjrhuU

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

gammaCore®, launched by electroCore, was the first producted marketed by this company in the U.S. The FDA approved it for usage by adult patients only
https://t.co/K5wCwjrhuU

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

gammaCore® was the first non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device applied at the neck. It is used to treat pain in association with episodic cluster headache
https://t.co/K5wCwjrhuU

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

60% of patients are recorded as having decreased worry about seizures and greater alertness. 80% of patients have been recorded as having an improved quality of life
https://t.co/X81CMELsYt

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

80% of epilepsy patients might experience increased heart rate prior to a seizure. Newer models of VNS models, such as AspireSR® or SenTivaTM, have the ability to detect a quick acceleration of heart rate in order to triggers an extra burst
https://t.co/X81CMELsYt

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

The mechanisms of VNS treatment for seizures is not really known. Studies indicate treatment may be accomplished via changing EEG patterns, increasing levels of neurotransmitters that control seizures, and/or stimulating blood flow in areas of the brain
https://t.co/X81CMELsYt

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

A patient aware of when a seizure happens may move a magnet above the generator in the chest for an extra burst of stimulation. This can help end seizures in some patients
https://t.co/X81CMELsYt

[Tad Saffarally @Teddy100]

VNS device implants are installed in a patient at an outpatient clinic, where they are also programmed to send out pulses via the vagus nerve at intervals. The patient is often unaware of this stimulation, which can contribute to greater quality of life
https://t.co/X81CMELsYt