There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves in the body, which are responsible for sending electrical signals between your brain, face, neck, and torso. The vagus nerve is one of the longest among them all and helps send information from the brain to tissues and organs around the body.
The word 'vagus' comes from the Latin term for 'wandering.' Therefore, the vagus nerve got this tag as it wanders from the brain to the neck, chest, and abdomen.
In this article, we discuss Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), which is a treatment that uses electrical impulses to influence the nervous system. It is generally recommended for people with chronic conditions that haven't responded well to traditional treatments. These include epilepsy with frequent seizures, treatment-resistant depression, and stroke rehabilitation. While generally considered safe, VNS is usually not the first-line treatment for any condition. However, it may have some benefits for patients. These include:
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Improved Mental Health
VNS involves a device, also called a pulse generator, that sends electrical pulses to a person’s vagus nerve. Over the years, it has emerged as a promising tool in the field of mental health, particularly for treatment-resistant depression. According to a study published in the journal Psychiatry, VNS works by stimulating a nerve in the neck, sending signals to areas involved in mood regulation. This is especially helpful for people who haven't responded well to medications or therapy, the researchers noted.
Better Sleep Quality
Studies have highlighted that VNS can improve sleep quality in some people. One study published in the journal Epilepsia suggested that people experienced improvement in their sleep after undergoing VNS. However, the results were mixed, as others stated they had less deep sleep. While overall, VNS may contribute to better sleep quality, leading to more restful sleep and feeling more energised throughout the day, it's important to note that the research is ongoing and some studies haven't shown a clear benefit.
Seizure Control
According to Medical News Today, VNS is a treatment option for certain neurological conditions, especially epilepsy. It helps regulate activity in the brain areas involved in seizures. However, VNS isn't usually a replacement for medication. Instead, it's often used alongside anti-epileptic drugs to provide additional control over seizures.
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Better Heart Health
A 2020 study published in the journal Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine suggested that the vagus nerve is a major nerve that influences heart function. Because of this, stimulating the VNS is being explored as a treatment for heart problems. Animal studies show promising results for VNS in helping with cardiac arrest, recovery after a heart attack, arrhythmias, and heart failure symptoms. However, it is important to note that VNS can also have serious side effects on the heart if not used properly.
It is crucial that you consult your doctor before exploring treatments through the vagus nerve. As emphasised, VNS cannot be used as a first-line treatment.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]