[Sleep-disordered breathing as a consequence of vagus nerve stimulation].

INTRODUCTION

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is indicated in cases of refractory epilepsy. Its side effects are frequently minor, however, breathing disturbances during sleep have been previously reported.

CASE REPORTS: Our three cases are representative of sleep-disordered breathing that occurred as a consequence of VNS activity in patients with refractory epilepsy. Sleep apnoea was observed in two patients and stridor in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the high prevalence of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in patients with refractory epilepsy, implantation of VNS should be ideally preceded by an assessment of the breathing during sleep. Furthermore, sleep-disordered breathing should be considered as a rare complication of VNS, and sleep apnoea should be investigated alongside data regarding VNS firing.