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Safe Simultaneous Use of Sacral Neuromodulation and Vagal Nerve Stimulation
1From the Central Maine Urogynecology/The Bladder Control Center Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston, ME.
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
|October 31, 2015
Summary
This case report shows that simultaneous use of vagal nerve stimulation for epilepsy and sacral neuromodulation (SNS) for overactive bladder is safe and effective. Both therapies provided benefits without interfering with each other.
Area of Science:
- Neuromodulation
- Neuroscience
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Investigating potential competitive effects between co-implanted electronic devices.
- Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is used for refractory epilepsy.
- Sacral neuromodulation (SNS) is a treatment for refractory overactive bladder.
Observation:
- A patient with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS underwent staged SNS for overactive bladder.
- The patient experienced sustained improvement in bladder function.
- No diminution in seizure threshold was observed at 6-month follow-up.
Findings:
- Simultaneous VNS and SNS demonstrated no interactive effects.
- Both neuromodulation therapies provided therapeutic benefits independently.
- The study suggests co-implantation is a viable option.
Implications:
- This case suggests that VNS and SNS can be used concurrently without adverse interactions.
- The thalamus may play a role in both continence and seizure activity.
- Further research into the interaction of different neuromodulation sites is warranted.
