A potential novel mechanism for vagus nerve stimulator-related central sleep apnea

Inga C. Forde, Meghna P. Mansukhani, Bhanu Prakash Kolla, Suresh Kotagal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The treatment of epilepsy with vagus nerve stimulation can inadvertently cause obstructive and central sleep apnea (CSA). The mechanism for CSA seen in patients with a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is not fully known. We describe the case of a 13-year-old girl in whom VNS activation induced tachypnea and post-hyperventilation central apnea. Following adjustment of VNS settings, the post-hyperventilation CSA resolved. Polysomnography may assist with management when patients with epilepsy develop sleep disruption after VNS placement.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number86
JournalChildren
Volume4
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2017

Keywords

  • Epilepsy
  • Mechanisms
  • Sleep disordered breathing
  • Vagus nerve stimulator

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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