Laryngopharyngeal Dysfunction From the Implant Vagal Nerve Stimulator

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Abstract
Objectives/Hypothesis The objective of the study was to examine the side‐effect profile of the vagal nerve stimulator. Vagal nerve stimulators have been used to treat intractable seizures in all age groups. They provide relief to the patient with a seizure disorder by decreasing the overall number and severity of seizure activities. Although significant complications are rare, many patients have some complaint, usually of their voice.Study Design A retrospective evaluation of four patients with intractable epilepsy.Methods Evaluation of charts and medical records and endoscopic examination of the larynx.Results In this small series, all four patients had implantation‐related paresis. Three of the four appear to have side effects from device activation.Conclusions Patients in whom a vagal nerve stimulator is placed can have adverse side effects. These can be related to the surgical manipulation of the vagus nerve, resulting in a temporary paresis of the vocal folds. A second set of side effects is related to the actual electrical stimulation of the device, and these side effects can directly affect the laryngeal musculature.