vagus nerve stimulation machines and Afib

[MTBCyclist]

Has anyone with AFib got any experience of using one of these machines, such as Nurosym, Amofit, Sensate?

[Ppiman]

If you are convinced about devices like this, then they might well work. To give them a chance, it’s best to approach such things with a very positive mindset that they will absolutely work. Some, at least, are heavily marketed and use dubious methods to promote them.

I tried one once for reviewing purposes with zero effect.

Steve

[MTBCyclist in reply to Ppiman]

Ok thanks for your reply

[Blearyeyed]

Have you been offered VNS for your aFib therapy ? Whether VNS will help your aFib depends on whether the origins of your aFib are not solely originated from the heart and have autonomic causes as well.

I have Chronic Dysautonomia which was the cause for me eventually developing paroxysmal aFib and mixed Arrhythmias.

So vagal stimulation can sometimes be helpful but sometimes it can trigger the aFib, it's quite a complex paradox of this type of condition.

That's why if you choose to try vagal stimulation as a non invasive it needs to be done with advice and supervision by a Specialist.

Medical Grade , recommended units , used at the right Hz level , with the correct amount of times phases is important because that makes the difference between VNS having potential therapeutic effects on your aFib burden ( or other neurological health issues if it was prescribed for those) or potentially triggering a new event.

Opting for one purchased online without specific instructions for your type of aFib and it's potential causes could lead to purchasing a costly ineffective device which you can't really use and inefficient treatment , or even negative side effects and increased aFib if vagal nerve involvement is made worse by nerve stimulation for you.

I was actually prescribed a Gammacore device by Neurology to help reduce the frequency and duration of Cluster Headaches linked to my Dysautonomia.

The use of it and instruction was really important.

I had to assess if I could use it to help Vascular Head issues but also judge if it stimulated new aFib within hours of use.

The level needs to be both therapeutic without being at a level which could be pro arrhythmic.

Gammacore is a good option for this which is why it is being used by Neurology in the NHS.

I've found that it is somewhat helpful as a Preventative for head aches and chronic pain , but not that effective during a Cluster Headache active event which also often triggers active aFib for me.

I could not say if it is also significantly making a difference to how often my aFib occurs because I also require medication.

It does help to reduce my Tachycardia symptoms a little and reduce chronic pain and tension which in themselves are triggers of my Migraines , Cluster Headaches and trigger active aFib , so it may well be helping to control the aFib or stop the number of events increasing in the way it could have done.

There have been a few occasions when I did my daily therapy or used the VNS to treat a Cluster event and aFib occurred not long after using it.

So , it's probably not 100% effective in aFib management and its negative or positive impact probably has a lot more to do with how well the whole body is, or if autonomic dysfunction is being made more severe by other issues like Stress or Infection at the time as well.

Hope that helps , Bee

[MTBCyclist in reply to Blearyeyed]

Hi Blearyeyed. Thanks so much for your detailed response.

I have not been prescribed VNS I just get lots of devices in my social media feeds and was curious if there was anything in them.

Sounds like VNS is a complex and needs some expertise, not something you can do with a devise with some dubious marketing.

Thanks

[Davidv45runner in reply to MTBCyclist]

I have just come across the Nurosym device and am asking the same question as yourself …

Hmmm at £100 I’d give it a go no probs and would discard easily if I noticed nothing , yet at £599 you kinda want it to achieve something 😃

[babs1234]

I have used a Gammacore for approx 5 years, for Hypnic headaches. well before my AFib diagnosis. Might try it when I go into an episode

[Blearyeyed in reply to babs1234]

It's not for use during an aFib attack , it's to use as a Preventative. When I get an aFib event I don't use it until the episode has stopped.

I'm not sure if people with permanent afib would be recommended to use it either.

[babs1234 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Not one GP has mentioned the fact that I use this device and had given me no advice on the matter. I will bring it up next appointment. Thanks