Vagal nerve stimulation

What it is:

Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a neuromodulation therapy that uses an implanted or external device to send mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which then transmits signals to the brain to help regulate neurological activity.

Symptoms treated by VNS include:

• Epilepsy: frequent or uncontrolled seizures
• Treatment-resistant depression: persistent depressive symptoms unresponsive to medication
• Stroke recovery: impaired arm or hand function
• Cluster headaches and migraines
• Emerging research also explores its use for anxiety, PTSD, Alzheimer’s, and inflammatory conditions.

Treatment involves surgical implantation of a pulse generator in the chest, connected to the left vagus nerve via a wire. The device delivers programmed electrical pulses in cycles, and patients may use a magnet to manually activate it. Non-invasive external devices are also available for certain conditions. Side effects may include hoarseness, throat discomfort, coughing, and mild pain at the implant site.