A rare side effect of vagal nerve stimulation: increased seizures and status epilepticus

Kizilkilic E. K., TANRIVERDİ T., Yeni S. N.

Acta Neurologica Belgica, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Kısa Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13760-026-03009-9
  • Dergi Adı: Acta Neurologica Belgica
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Epilepsy, Seizures, Status Epilepticus, Vagal Nerve Stimulation
  • İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulatory therapeutic option for drug-resistant epilepsy. Case Report: We present two patients, aged 23 and 29 years, with drug-resistant epilepsy who experienced increased seizures and status epilepticus after application of VNS. Conclusion: VNS is generally well tolerated and provides benefits for patients. However, both patients and their families and clinicians should be alert to the rare side effect of triggering seizures.