The relationship between sleep apnea and vagus nerve stimulation

What is it about?

Vagus nerve stimulation implants, which are used to decrease seizure rates in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, are known to induce sleep breathing disorders (drop of oxygen saturation levels or, worse, sleep apnoeas). The mechanism inducing these disturbances was nevertheless unknown. We have discovered a sound relationship between these breathing disturbances and the alteration in vocal folds movement induced by VNS therapy. The article focus on data about our patient group, confirming our hypothesis.

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Why is it important?

Knowledge that laryngeal movement alteration is the bridge between sleep breathing disorders and vagus nerve stimulation therapy might be key in a better adjustement of therapy parameters. Reducing sleep breathing disorders could reduce seizure rate and side effects and improve patients' quality of life.