Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
07:17
Implantation Surgery for Abdominal Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Recording Studies in Awake Rats
Published on: January 19, 2024
Reversible sleep-related stridor during vagus nerve stimulation
1Iowa Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, Center for Sleep Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine and Neurology, Medical Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55095, USA. StLouis.Erik@mayo.edu
Summary
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for epilepsy can rarely cause sleep-related stridor. Adjusting VNS parameters during sleep studies can resolve this breathing disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an established treatment for refractory epilepsy.
- Sleep-related breathing disorders are a known potential side effect of VNS therapy.
Observation:
- A patient undergoing VNS therapy for epilepsy developed new-onset sleep-related stridor.
- The stridor occurred during the parameter titration phase of VNS therapy.
Findings:
- Reducing the VNS current during polysomnography completely resolved the stridor.
- This suggests a direct causal link between VNS parameters and sleep-related stridor.
Implications:
- VNS therapy may induce sleep-related stridor, broadening the spectrum of VNS-associated sleep disturbances.
- Polysomnography-guided parameter adjustment can effectively manage VNS-induced nocturnal stridor.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
The condition is more prevalent among...
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway interventions are...
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
Equipment Required
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
RBD is significantly associated with...