Patient Stories > Ashley Harron

High school senior Ashley Harron had been plagued with seizures since the age of three. For a period of several years, the seizures disappeared, but they came back with a vengeance when Ashley hit puberty. Treatment led to a different set of problems: Ashley's medication caused weight gain and fatigue.

At this point Ashley's parents brought her to see a neurologist at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and they never looked back. Her father Brad says Ashley's physician is trying to improve her condition, not just maintain the status quo like her previous doctor.

At St. Christopher's, Ashley underwent Vagus Nerve Stimulator implantation, which involves implanting a silver dollar-sized device under the skin on the chest. Leads attached to the vagus nerve deliver short bursts of electrical energy to the brain and help to prevent seizures. Before coming to St. Christopher's, Ashley's parents had never heard of this treatment.

Now, Ashley sees her neurologist monthly so that the amount and frequency of stimulation can be adjusted. Brad says that he is confident that her physician at St. Chris is committed to giving Ashley as close to a normal life as possible.

For information on the Section of Neurology, call 215-427-5470.