My daughter just received a new external magnet last week for free from Cyberonics. She reports that the new magnet does, when used, produce significantly more discomfort (pain) than her 6 year old magnets do. Is there a difference in older & new magnets, or does the magnet simply activate the generator and any magnet should produce the same type of magnet generated stimulation. She uses her old magnets daily, prior to showering and getting up in the morning, (the 2 most common places/times she has had seizures) and reports the new magnet causes more discomfort. Anyone else experience this? I'm not sure I can explain this. I'm gonna call Cyberonics shortly and inquire for their opinion.

The magnets should be the same, but that doesn't mean that they are. Let us know what Cyberonics tells you.

Welcome to the board and the United States!

:D HI duo64!

Great to hear from you again!

I am anxious to hear what Cyberonics says. Stimulation shouldn't be painful. Don't the magnets for epilepsy have a setting as well as the generator? You might want to call her doctor and tell them what she is experiencing, and ask if you can bring her and the magnet(s) in to get checked to make sure they both are functioning properly.

Did she have a new generator put in yet?

Take good care!

B)

I may be the thick one here. I thought the magnet, given it was of sufficient strength to cause stimulation, would do just that, and only that. Is it possible the problem lay elsewhere?

:D HI Andrew!

Naw, you aren't thick...I am thick about the use of magnets for epilepsy other than the magnet can increase stimulation with a swipe and stop stimulation if it is held over the generator site.

It coould be something else...

B)

From what I understand, with Epilesy you swipe the magnet daily. For TRD, you only use it only if something is wrong.

In my case (epilepsy), I only swipe the magnet when there is a problem. My wife (and sometimes my boss) use it to swipe me if they are around when I have a seizure.

My wife also swipes me with anything else when she feels the need to. :blink: : pffftt :

:D

My understanding is the epilepsy magnet is used to swipe at the onset of a seizure. The swipe should increase stimulation to help abort the seizure or lesson the severity of the seizure.

:ROFLMAO: Andrew...your wife swipes you with anything...you are so funny Mate! Hope the sun is shining brightly on you over the pond! Heard London had a good snow.

B)

The Cyberonics rep checked with a clinical engineer and I have the following info for the benefit of the group.
The magnet used in seizure therapy activates the generator in magnet mode, settings outside the normal on-off setting of regular automated stimulation, usually set at a slightly higher set of parameters than normal. ANY magnet of enough force will cause the unit to activate in magnet mode for 1 cycle, by swiping the magnet over the generator purposely.
There is a magnet diagnostic test that can be done during an interogation of the generator to check and verify the triggering activation. New magnets vs old magnets should not cause any difference in the magnet generated stimulation.
There has been some reports that during the end of battery service life the magnet may cause the generator to act irractically if battery voltage in the generator is very low.
Magnets are magnets, there is no brain or electronics within the battery.
I don't believe these are the cause of my daughters discomfort when using the brand new magnets as apposed to her 6 year old ones.

We are still waiting for pre-authorization from the insurance company, and we are asking for placement of the model 104, (twin lead), will advise on that more as we find out.

Wouldn't that be model 103A?

Again, going on what we were told
102 single lead
102R dual lead
103 single lead
104 dual lead

:D HI 64duo!

Thanks for all the info!

I'm not too knowledgeable about all the models. I had the 102.

Please do keep us updated and take good care.

B)

Hello,

You are totally right 64 duo!
My son started at the 101 dual lead, now he is on the 102r dual lead.
And the newest model is the 104 dual lead.

We don`t use the magnet. It was no benefit for him.
So they put the magnet mode in a very low setting.

But a magnet is just a magnet indeed. The settings are only at the generator.

Btw, i know a lot of people who uses the magnet to stop stimulation temperally for singing, or sporting etc.

64 Duo, i hope they can solve the problems for your daughter. And she will feel fine soon....

Andrew, i love your humor! It`s great. :D

The manual that I received as well as the instructions from my doctor and the Cyberonics rep advised that the magnet was to be used when/if I was to feel or suspect a seizure coming on (aura) to use the magnet. When I first received my VNS I was told to do testing with it daily for the first couple of weeks. But now its only when I personally feel a seizure coming on, or to be used by others around me if I am actively in seizure. I periodically have done a test just to make sure its working since I dont notice it activating anymore. However, when I use the magnet, since it is set at a higher setting and the magnet activates it for a longer duration I do notice the difference. But it has never been painful, maybe a bit uncomfortable.

My neurologist said to use magnet before I go to bed at night and if I have to get up at night (use rest room) and when I get up in the morning. She also said it doesn't hurt to use it at other times. Indeed using it before shower would be a good idea. I use it before I cross the street. Of course it is supposed to be used if one has an"aura' (which I don't have) and during (since I am unconcious someone else would need to use it) & after seizures.

My daughter's use of the magnet is also simply preventative. That why she is suppose to use it in the morning, and before showers.
If she has a seizure, there is no aura and she becomes unconcious. A family member or close friend with her at the time would have to use the magnet if they can locate it in her car or in her purse. But that has never worked out as of yet. Even the Dr at the emergency room doesn't know anything about the magnet issue.