2005 Kids Speak Up! Participant Biography

Ryan Howard Stahl

Age: 9
Grade: 2
Brillion, Wisconsin

Ryan Stahl is bright, charismatic and speaks openly about his seizures. Ryan was diagnosed with epilepsy six years ago. After trying numerous medications which had severe side effects for him, Ryan's parents wanted to try other options. He was not considered a candidate for brain surgery because his seizures came from both sides of his frontal lobe, and another potential treatment, Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy, had a minimum age threshhold of 12.

Through special efforts, Ryan's parents were able to convince his health team to implant the VNS in January 2004. He didn't have any seizures for about five months following the surgery. He still has some seizures now, but they are less severe. Ryan would still like to find a treatment that would allow him to eliminate his seizures altogether.

By participating in Kids Speak Up!, Ryan aims to push Congress for legislation that will remove the age restriction for the VNS implant. Ryan believes there are many children that could benefit from having VNS surgery.

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