An ECG study of individuals receiving vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for drug-resistant focal epilepsy has demonstrated that VNS induces favourable changes in T-wave alternans, possibly reflecting improved balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. T-wave alternans is an established noninvasive marker for risk of sudden cardiac death; the study finding, therefore, suggests that VNS reduces the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
References
Schomer, A. C. et al. Vagus nerve stimulation reduces cardiac electrical instability assessed by quantitative T-wave alternans analysis in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsia 10.1111/epi.12855
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Vagus nerve stimulation could increase cardiac stability and reduce risk of SUDEP. Nat Rev Neurol 11, 3 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2014.243
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2014.243
