Vagus nerve stimulation

Complications

• Voice change / hoarseness
• Throat pain / pharyngitis
• Dyspnea
• Coughing
• Parasthesias
• Cardiac complications are rare
• Infection
• Hardware complications
• Injury to the vagus nerve - permanent voice change

Outcomes

• 1 year - 35% median reduction of seizure frequency
• 2 years - 43%
• Long term - 72% !
• Response varies widely, some achieve seizure freedom, others have no benefit!
• Improved alertness
• Improved quality of life
• Shorter seizures, reduced postictal confusion