Vagus nerve stimulation for chronic intractable hiccups. Case report

J Neurosurg. 2005 May;102(5):935-7. doi: 10.3171/jns.2005.102.5.0935.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

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