Journal
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
Volume 5, Issue 5, Pages 768-771Publisher
ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2004.05.008
Keywords
vagus nerve stimulation; autonomic nervous system; ventricular asystole; atrioventricular nodal block
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Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an important therapeutic option for individuals with refractory epilepsy who have failed multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The intricate relationship of the vagus nerve to cardiac function raises concern that vagal stimulation may affect cardiac rhythm and function. Previous pre- and postmarketing studies have not shown this to be a significant problem, with the incidence of bradyarrhythmias reported to be about 0.1%. We review three cases of ventricular asystole with complete heart block that occurred during intraoperative lead tests. The purpose of these case reports is to identify the specific type of cardiac abnormality associated with vagus nerve stimulation and to identify individuals at risk. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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