Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 27, 2026

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
Combined spinal-epidural labour analgesia in a parturient with a vagal nerve stimulator
Presentation:
A G2P1 woman in her 30s at 37 weeks' gestation with drug-resistant juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and an implanted VNS presented in early labour.
Diagnosis:
Her epilepsy was well-controlled with a VNS implanted six years earlier and maintained on antiepileptic drugs.
Treatment:
Following an interdisciplinary antenatal discussion, combined spinal-epidural (CSE) labour analgesia was administered with the VNS left active. Continuous maternal and fetal monitoring was undertaken, and a magnet was immediately available for device deactivation if required. Labour progressed uneventfully, resulting in a spontaneous vaginal delivery of a healthy infant. No perioperative complications or device-related issues occurred.
Discussion:
This case suggests that neuraxial labour analgesia can be delivered successfully in a parturient with a functioning vagal nerve stimulator when management is individualised, multidisciplinary planning is undertaken in advance, and close intrapartum monitoring with immediate access to the device magnet is ensured.
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