Vagus Nerve Stimulator

Object Interrater reliability as measured by the kappa (κ) statistic is a widely used and valuable tool to measure the robustness of a scoring system. Seizure frequency reduction is a central outcome measure following vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). A specific VNS scoring system has been proposed by McHugh, but its interrater reliability has not been tested. The authors assessed its interrater reliability and compared it with that of the Engel and International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) systems. Methods Using the Engel, ILAE, and McHugh scoring systems, 3 observers independently rated the medical records of children who had undergone vagus nerve stimulator implantation between January 2001 and April 2011 at the Southampton University Hospital. The interrater agreements were then calculated using the κ statistic. Results Interrater reliability for the McHugh scale (κ0.693) was very good and was superior to those of the Engel (κ0.464) and ILAE (κ0.491) systems for assessing outcome in patients undergoing VNS. Conclusions The authors recommend considering the McHugh scoring system when assessing outcomes following VNS.

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317 TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY WITH VAGUS NERVE STIMULATOR DOES NOT LEAD TO SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT CHANGES

Journal of Investigative Medicine ◽

10.2310/6650.2005.00005.316 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 53 (1) ◽

pp. S133.6-S134

Author(s):

M. S. Koren ◽

M. D. Holmes

Keyword(s):

Vagus Nerve ◽

Weight Changes ◽

Nerve Stimulator ◽

Treatment Of Epilepsy ◽

Vagus Nerve Stimulator

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Vagus Nerve Stimulator–Associated Sleep Disordered Breathing: Identification, Treatment, and Outcomes in a Pediatric Patient

Journal of Pediatric Neurology ◽

10.1055/s-0039-3402810 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Christopher M. Carosella ◽

David F. Smith ◽

Kathleen M. Sarber ◽

Michele Turner ◽

Thomas J. Dye

Keyword(s):

Vagus Nerve ◽

Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽

Positive Airway Pressure ◽

Inverse Correlation ◽

Nerve Stimulator ◽

Drug Induced ◽

Pressure Therapy ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Vagus Nerve Stimulator ◽

Disordered Breathing

AbstractVagus nerve stimulator (VNS)-associated sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a poorly understood side effect of VNS treatment. We present a patient with VNS-associated SDB who underwent sleep laboratory VNS titration, evaluation by drug-induced sleep endoscopy, and treatment including adenotonsillectomy and positive airway pressure therapy. This case is unique as it is the first to document, in real time, the inverse correlation of VNS current with airflow. This case offers unique insights into mechanisms and treatment of VNS-associated SDB, and a novel approach in its management. Most importantly, this case highlights the need for collaboration between physicians managing epilepsy with VNS and those managing sleep.

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