Vocal Cord Adduction Causing Obstructive Sleep Apnea from Vagal Nerve Stimulation: Case Report

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. (J Pediatr 2012; 160: 868-70)