Vagal nerve stimulator complication: Difference between revisions

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*Outbursts of laughter  
*Outbursts of laughter  
===Complications<ref>Smyth MD, Tubbs RS, Bebin EM, Grabb PA, Blount JP. Complications of chronic vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in children. J Neurosurg. 2003;99(3):500-3.</ref>===
===Complications<ref>Smyth MD, Tubbs RS, Bebin EM, Grabb PA, Blount JP. Complications of chronic vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in children. J Neurosurg. 2003;99(3):500-3.</ref>===
*Superficial skin infections
*Superficial [[skin infection]]
*Deep space infection (e.g. [[retropharyngeal abscess]], [[Ludwig's angina]]
*Deep space infection (e.g. [[retropharyngeal abscess]], [[Ludwig's angina]]
*Vocal cord paralysis
*Vocal cord paralysis
*Contraction of supraglottic structures--> [[stridor]], sleep apnea
*Contraction of supraglottic structures--> [[stridor]], sleep apnea
*Facial muscle paresis
*Facial muscle paresis
*Cardiac arrhythmia (rare, as usually left vagus is stimulated)
*Cardiac [[arrhythmia]] (rare, as usually left vagus is stimulated)
*Lead fracture
*Lead fracture
**[[Twiddler syndrome]]: repeated (often subconscious) manipulation of device, can lead to lead fracture or other device malfunction
**[[Twiddler's syndrome]]: repeated (often subconscious) manipulation of device, can lead to lead fracture or other device malfunction


==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==

Revision as of 23:25, 23 October 2016

Background

VagusStimulator.jpg
  • Used to treat refractory epilepsy
  • Pulse generator implanted in chest, electric lead attached to vagus nerve in neck
  • Generator stimulates vagal nerve at regular intervals
    • Usually does NOT stimulate right vagus nerve (which innervates heart)
  • Magnet over VNS leads to extra stimulation
    • Patients/caregivers may use magnet in case of aura or breakthrough seizure

Complications

Side Effects[1]

Complications[2]

Evaluation

Management

Disposition

See Also

External Links

References

  1. Serdaroglu A, Arhan E, Kurt G, et al. Long term effect of vagus nerve stimulation in pediatric intractable epilepsy: an extended follow-up. Childs Nerv Syst. 2016;32(4):641-6.
  2. Smyth MD, Tubbs RS, Bebin EM, Grabb PA, Blount JP. Complications of chronic vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in children. J Neurosurg. 2003;99(3):500-3.