A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Clinical management of voice and breathing problems in two patients with vagus nerve stimulation therapy
Authors: Alantie Sonja, Makkonen Tanja, Hietala Satu, Peltola Jukka
Publisher: John Libbey Eurotext
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Epileptic Disorders
Journal name in source: EPILEPTIC DISORDERS
Journal acronym: EPILEPTIC DISORD
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
First page : 173
Last page: 179
Number of pages: 7
ISSN: 1294-9361
eISSN: Epileptic Disorders
Abstract
We report two cases highlighting the diversity of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS)-related effects on voice and breathing in patients with refractory epilepsy. The patients had both implantation and stimulation-related side effects, which lasted for several months, impacting on their quality of life. The adverse effects appear to be due to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis-related vocal cord hypofunction and stimulation-related vocal fold spasms, however, their inter-relationship is complex. In one of the patients, we were able to utilize the novel programming capabilities of the VNS device to reduce the laryngeal side effects without compromising therapeutic efficacy.
We report two cases highlighting the diversity of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS)-related effects on voice and breathing in patients with refractory epilepsy. The patients had both implantation and stimulation-related side effects, which lasted for several months, impacting on their quality of life. The adverse effects appear to be due to recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis-related vocal cord hypofunction and stimulation-related vocal fold spasms, however, their inter-relationship is complex. In one of the patients, we were able to utilize the novel programming capabilities of the VNS device to reduce the laryngeal side effects without compromising therapeutic efficacy.
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