Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS)
Complications that occur with VNS use include failure of the device to work (3%), infections (3%), and stimulus-associated hoarseness and swallowing problems. [Smyth: 2003] Sleep-related breathing problems have also been described. [Hsieh: 2008]
Evaluation for and treatment with VNS for children is performed in epilepsy clinics. The VNS is reserved for children with intractable seizures. Frequent follow-up with pediatric neurology will be necessary after insertion of the VNS.
Resources
Services for Patients & Families Nationwide (NW)
Service Categories | # of providers* in: | NW | Partner states (5) (show) | | MT | NM | NV | RI | UT | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Epilepsy Clinics | 2 | 2 | ||||||||
Pediatric Neurology | 15 | 5 | 15 | 5 |
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.
Page Bibliography
Fan HC, Hsu TR, Chang KP, Chen SJ, Tsai JD.
Vagus nerve stimulation for 6- to 12-year-old children with refractory epilepsy: Impact on seizure frequency and parenting
stress index.
Epilepsy Behav.
2018;83:119-123.
PubMed abstract
Hsieh T, Chen M, McAfee A, Kifle Y.
Sleep-related breathing disorder in children with vagal nerve stimulators.
Pediatr Neurol.
2008;38(2):99-103.
PubMed abstract
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.
PubMed abstract
Zamponi N, Rychlicki F, Corpaci L, Cesaroni E, Trignani R.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is effective in treating catastrophic 1 epilepsy in very young children.
Neurosurg Rev.
2008;31(3):291-7.
PubMed abstract