Vagus nerve stimulation therapy induces laryngopharyngeal reflux: a preliminary evaluation

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy induces laryngopharyngeal reflux: a preliminary evaluation. Objective: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is an approved therapy for drug- and surgery-resistant epilepsy. Despite the vagal role in regulating gastric secretion, there are no reports focusing on the prevalence of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) in the VNS-implanted population. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of the disease in VNS-implanted patients. Methods: All patients underwent endoscopic Otolaryngological reflux assessment based on the reflux finding score (RFS) and contextual self-assessment of symptoms by means of reflux symptom index (RSI) questionnaire. Results: While only 3 out of 16 patients experienced symptomatic LPR (RSI>13), endoscopy documented LPR (RFS>7) in 12 out of 16 patients, there was no correlation between RSI and RFS (p.617). There has been an important trend between LPR findings since implantation was observed (p. 103). Conclusions: LPR has a significant prevalence in VNS-implanted patients. A routine Otolaryngological follow-up could allow the prompt diagnosis and treatment of LPR in this population.