VNS is primarily used as a treatment for certain types of epilepsy and depression that have not responded to other treatments.
What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in Neurology and Psychiatry?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a treatment that involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve, which is one of the longest nerves in the body that runs from the brainstem to the abdomen.The electrical impulses are delivered through a device that is implanted under the skin of the chest, and the stimulation is thought to help regulate the activity of certain brain regions involved in seizures and mood regulation.
VNS is typically used as a last resort for patients who have not responded to other treatments, and it is still considered an experimental treatment for some conditions.
How VNS is different from tVNS ?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) and transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) are similar in that they both involve the use of electrical impulses to stimulate the vagus nerve. However, there are some key differences between the two treatments.
VNS is an invasive procedure in which a device is implanted under the skin of the chest. The device sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve via a lead that is surgically implanted on the vagus nerve. VNS is typically used as a last resort for patients who have not responded to other treatments, and it is still considered an experimental treatment for some conditions.
tVNS, on the other hand, is a non-invasive procedure in which electrical impulses are delivered to the vagus nerve via electrodes placed on the skin, typically on the tragus of the ear or on the neck. The electrical impulses are delivered through a hand-held device, and the stimulation is thought to help regulate the activity of certain brain regions involved in seizures and mood regulation.
Other variant of tVNS is Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation from Soterix Medicals (which we are using at Buddhi Clinic), target the auricular branch of Vagus Nerve. tVNS is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure with fewer side effects compared to VNS.
Are there any side effects of VNS?
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is generally considered to be a safe and well-tolerated procedure, but there are some potential side effects associated with the treatment.
Some of the most common side effects of VNS include:
- Hoarseness or changes in the sound of the voice: This is caused by the electrical impulses stimulating the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the muscles of the larynx.
- Coughing or shortness of breath: This is caused by the electrical impulses stimulating the phrenic nerve, which controls the diaphragm muscle.
- Neck pain or discomfort: This is caused by the electrical impulses stimulating the cervical vagus nerve, which runs through the neck.
- Tingling or numbness in the face or tongue: This is caused by the electrical impulses stimulating the branches of the vagus nerve that run through the face and tongue.
- Skin irritation or infection at the site of the implant: This is caused by the electrical impulses stimulating the branches of the vagus nerve that run through the chest.
It is important to note that these side effects are usually temporary and can be managed by adjusting the stimulation settings or by taking medications.
tVNS for Headaches and Migraine?
Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) is being researched as a potential treatment for headaches and migraines. The theory behind using tVNS for headaches and migraines is that it may help regulate the activity of certain brain regions involved in pain perception and mood regulation.
A few studies have been conducted on the use of tVNS for headaches and migraines, and the results have been promising. Some of the studies have reported that tVNS can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines, as well as improve quality of life.
However, it’s important to note that the studies that have been conducted so far have been small and more research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of tVNS for headaches and migraines.
In Summary, unlike more established non-invasive brain stimulation methods such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), taVNS does not directly modulate the reactivity of neurons within specific cortical target areas. Instead, taVNS aims to promote increased noradrenergic neurotransmission through indirect stimulation of the locus coeruleus (LC), which in turn causes systemic modulation of brain function.
It’s always recommended that you discuss your individual case with your doctor and you should provide your doctor with complete information about your health history, current medications and ECG parameter before starting the treatment.
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