[Sleep-disordered breathing as a consequence of vagus nerve stimulation]

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is indicated in cases of refractory epilepsy. Its side effects are frequently minor, however, breathing disturbances during sleep have been previously reported.

Our three cases are representative of sleep-disordered breathing that occurred as a consequence of VNS activity in patients with refractory epilepsy. Sleep apnoea was observed in two patients and stridor in one patient.

Given the high prevalence of sleep apnoea-hypopnoea syndrome in patients with refractory epilepsy, implantation of VNS should be ideally preceded by an assessment of the breathing during sleep. Furthermore, sleep-disordered breathing should be considered as a rare complication of VNS, and sleep apnoea should be investigated alongside data regarding VNS firing.