Influence of vagus nerve stimulation on vestibulo-ocular reflex

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), as used for the treatment of intractable epilepsy, may interfere with signals from viscera and modify the integration of autonomic afferent fibers in the brainstem. In order to detect an influence of VNS on vestibular function, the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) of 5 patients was examined before and during VNS. Nonsignificant alterations of the maximum slow-phase velocity of the VOR were found. A significant clinical alteration of the VOR during VNS was not observed. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel