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Warning-sign checks

Vagus nerve stimulation: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, rapidly increasing neck swelling, chest pain, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

    Follow your established emergency seizure plan for a prolonged seizure or repeated seizures without recovery.

    If VNS is being used for depression, seek immediate help for thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or being unable to stay safe.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, worsening pain, or an opening in either incision.

    Also report persistent trouble swallowing, new breathing problems during stimulation, repeated vomiting, or a major change in voice that does not improve.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Mild hoarseness or throat tingling that occurs only during stimulation can usually be discussed at a routine programming visit, unless it is worsening or interfering with breathing, eating, or sleep.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Vagus nerve stimulation. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.