Vagus nerve stimulation for chronic intractable hiccups. Case report.

Abstract

Intractable hiccups are debilitating and usually a result of some underlying disease. Initial management includes vagal maneuvers and pharmacotherapy. When hiccups persist despite medical therapy, surgical intervention rarely is pursued. Cases described in the literature cite successful phrenic nerve blockade, crush injury, or percutaneous phrenic nerve pacing. The authors report on a case of intractable hiccups occurring after a posterior fossa stroke, Complete resolution of the spasms has been achieved to date following the placement of a vagus nerve stimulator.

• Authors: Bryan Rankin Payne, Robert Lyons Tiel, Mary Say Payne, Bruce Fisch
• Journal: Journal of neurosurgery (J Neurosurg) Vol. 102 Issue 5 Pg. 935-7 (May 2005) ISSN: 0022-3085 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15926725 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Chronic Disease
• Electric Stimulation Therapy (instrumentation, methods)
• Hiccup (etiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Stroke (complications)
• Vagus Nerve (physiology)