Neuropediatrics 2013; 44 - PS22_1189
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1337880

Dysphagia following implantation of an vagus nerve stimulator – a case report

C Reutlinger 1, D Mergardt 1, C Maxton 2
  • 1HELIOS Klinik Geesthacht, Geesthacht, Germany
  • 2Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

Case Report: The implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) is an additional therapeutic option for patients with epilepsia. A hoarse voice and dysphagia are the known side effects. We report on a patient with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Because of dysphagia a tracheotomy was done 6 years after implantation of a VNS. This could be closed after deactivating the VNS.

The boy was born 1995. At the age of 5 year he had first seizures. The epilepsy was difficult to treat. It is caused by a bioccipital ulegyria. In 2006 VNS was implanted. This reduced the seizures, but caused dysphagia. Because of aspirations he got severe pneumonias, he had to be ventilated. In February 2012 he got a tracheotomy. During rehabilitation we found dysphagia with aspirations. This could not be cured with logopedic therapy. We decided to deactivate the VNS. About 6 weeks later we could close the tracheotomy. The seizures did not aggravate.