Vocal cord adduction causing obstructive sleep apnea from vagal nerve stimulation: case report

Margaret Aron; Helen Vlachos-Mayer; Dominique Dorion

doi:10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.01.045

Vocal cord adduction causing obstructive sleep apnea from vagal nerve stimulation: case report

J Pediatr. 2012 May;160(5):868-70. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.01.045. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

Authors

Margaret Aron¹, Helen Vlachos-Mayer, Dominique Dorion

Affiliation

¹ Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. maggiearon@gmail.com

PMID: 22364850
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2012.01.045

Abstract

A recognized complication of vagal nerve stimulation is new or worsening sleep apnea. Its pathophysiology is not clearly understood. We report a patient with obstructive sleep apnea that was directly associated with vagal nerve stimulation causing recurring vocal cord adduction. Adjusting the stimulator settings resolved the problem.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
Child
Disease Progression
Electroencephalography / methods
Epilepsies, Partial / diagnosis
Epilepsies, Partial / therapy*
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Laryngoscopy / methods
Male
Oximetry / methods
Polysomnography / methods
Risk Assessment
Severity of Illness Index
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / etiology*
Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / physiopathology
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / adverse effects*
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods
Vocal Cords / physiopathology*

Substances

Anticonvulsants