Ventricular asystole during vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy in humans

William O. Tatum IV, D. B. Moore, M. M. Stecker, G. H. Baltuch, J. A. French, J. A. Ferreira, P. M. Carney, D. R. Labar, F. L. Vale

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

166 Scopus citations

Abstract

Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve, a recently available option for patients with refractory epilepsy, has demonstrated safety and efficacy. We report four patients with refractory epilepsy who experienced ventricular asystole intraoperatively during initial testing for implantation of the vagus nerve stimulator. Acute intraoperative vagus nerve stimulation may create ventricular asystole in humans. Extracorporeal cervical vagus nerve stimulation testing with continuous EKG monitoring intraoperatively before generator implantation is warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1267-1269
Number of pages3
JournalNeurology
Volume52
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 12 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology

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