CHRONIC STIMULATION OF THE LEFT VAGAL NERVE IN CHILDREN - EFFECT ON SWALLOWING

Purpose: To learn whether stimulation of the left vagal nerve would in fluence swallowing. Methods: Eight children receiving intermittent lef t vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for their pharmacoresistant epilepsy u nderwent 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: Stim ulation of the left vagal nerve under conditions used to treat epileps y does not cause aspiration.