Chronic stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children: effect on swallowing.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: 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.