Chronic stimulation of the left vagal nerve in children: Effect on swallowing

Purpose: To learn whether stimulation of the left vagal nerve would influence swallowing. Methods: Eight children receiving intermittent left vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) for their pharmacoresistant epilepsy underwent 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: Stimulation of the left vagal nerve under conditions used to treat epilepsy does not cause aspiration.