The present invention uses electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat
epilepsy with minimized or no effect on the heart. Treatment is carried out by
an implantable signal generator, one or more implantable electrodes for electrically
stimulating a predetermined stimulation site of the vagus nerve, and a sensor for
sensing characteristics of the heart such as heart rate. The heart rate information
from the sensor can be used to determine whether the vagus nerve stimulation is
adversely affecting the heart. Once threshold parameters are met, the vagus nerve
stimulation may be stopped or adjusted. In an alternative embodiment, the invention
may include a modified pacemaker to maintain the heart in desired conditions during
the vagus nerve stimulation. In yet another embodiment, the invention may be simply
a modified pacemaker having circuitry that determines whether a vagus nerve is
being stimulated. In the event that the vagus nerve is being stimulated, the modified
pacemaker may control the heart to maintain it within desired conditions during
the vagus nerve stimulation.
