Chronic stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children: effect on swallowing.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Section of Neurology, Children's Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri 64108, USA.
G
G
Schallert
J
J
Foster
N
N
Lindquist
J V
JV
Murphy
D000367:Age Factors; D001466:Barium Sulfate; D002648:Child; D002933:Cineradiography; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000628:therapy; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D001239:Inhalation; D007830:Larynx / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000502:physiology*
D001466:Barium Sulfate