Does vagus nerve stimulation have any side effects?
Other than hoarseness, throat pain, cough, tingling neck pain few complications the vagus nerve stimulation surgery shows can include:
Pulse generator malfunction or movement, which may require additional surgery.
Worsening of depression.
Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
The most common side effect is a tingling in the throat or neck and hoarseness of the voice. This usually lasts only a few days after the stimulator output has been increased. However some patients continue to feel the stimulator switch on; most find it causes them no distress and some find it reassuring. Other less common side effects that have been reported include occasional shortness of breath, neck and ear pain.
