Medline ® Abstract for Reference 120
of 'Vagus nerve stimulation therapy for the treatment of epilepsy'
120
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Chronic stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children: effect on swallowing.
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Schallert G, Foster J, Lindquist N, Murphy JV
SO
Epilepsia. 1998;39(10):1113.
PURPOSE:
To learn whether stimulation of the left vagal nerve would influence swallowing.
METHODS:
Eight children receiving intermittent left vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for their pharmacoresistant epilepsy underwent barium swallow studies with their generators off, on, and at maximally tolerated settings.
RESULTS:
Laryngeal penetration of barium was present in three patients without stimulation, and was caused by VNS in one other patient. Aspiration never occurred.
CONCLUSIONS:
Stimulation of the left vagal nerve under conditions used to treat epilepsy does not cause aspiration.
AD
Section of Neurology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
PMID