What is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?
How vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) offers relief for conditions like depression, chronic pain, and inflammation with fewer side effects.
What Is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, connects the brainstem to various organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. It is a critical component of the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the "rest-and-digest" system, which helps regulate stress responses, heart rate, digestion, and more. Activating the vagus nerve promotes calmness, recovery, and balance, counteracting the fight-or-flight state.
What Is Vagus Nerve Stimulation?
As mentioned above, when the vagus nerve is activated, it triggers the rest-and-digest state.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a non-traditional (in the standard Western medicine sense) therapy that involves stimulating the vagus nerve so that it’s activated. This can be achieved through:
Implantable VNS: A small device is surgically implanted in the chest, with a wire connecting to the left vagus nerve in the neck. This method is commonly used for epilepsy and depression.
Non-Invasive VNS (VNS): Devices like ear clips or handheld tools stimulate the vagus nerve externally, offering a less invasive alternative (like the Truvaga).
FDA-Approved Uses of VNS
Treatment-Resistant Depression: Approved nearly two decades ago, VNS offers significant relief for chronic, treatment-resistant depression. Studies show that 40% of patients experience improved depressive symptoms after one year of VNS.
Post-Partum Depression: 75% of women in a study on women who had mild to moderate symptoms of postpartum depression experienced significantly reduced depression and anxiety after 6 weeks of VNS.
Epilepsy: VNS reduces seizure frequency in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, providing a vital option for those who do not respond to traditional medications.
Stroke Rehabilitation: VNS is FDA-approved to aid upper limb rehabilitation after ischemic strokes, significantly enhancing motor recovery when combined with physical therapy.
Chemical Dependency (Sparrow ST Genesis): The Sparrow ST Genesis, a non-invasive VNS device, is FDA-cleared for addressing chemical dependency and withdrawal symptoms. It helps regulate stress and cravings through auricular stimulation. We offer ST Genesis treatment here at NeuroPain Health!
The Health Benefits of VNS
Research highlights VNS as a promising treatment for a variety of conditions beyond its FDA-approved uses.
Chronic Pain: VNS shows promise in managing conditions like fibromyalgia, migraines, and cluster headaches. Its analgesic effects stem from its ability to modulate pain signals and reduce inflammation (source).
Anxiety and PTSD: Research suggests VNS helps regulate emotional responses, making it a potential treatment for anxiety and PTSD.
Inflammatory Conditions: VNS may reduce inflammation in autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease by activating the "inflammatory reflex.”
Cardiovascular Health: VNS has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved heart rate variability, supporting cardiovascular health.
Weight Management: Studies indicate VNS can influence eating behavior and appetite regulation, aiding weight loss in specific populations.
Sleep Issues: Preliminary research highlights VNS’s potential to reduce sleep disturbances and insomnia by promoting parasympathetic activity and relaxation.
How VNS Works
The exact mechanisms of VNS are still under investigation, but current research suggests it works by:
Modulating Neurotransmitters: Increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine to improve mood.
Reducing Inflammation: Activating pathways that decrease systemic inflammation.
Engaging the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Promoting a state of rest, digest, and recovery.
Conclusion: Vagus Nerve Stimulation
At my practice, I aim to reduce dependence on medications with significant side effects, such as opioids or SSRIs. VNS represents an effective, side-effect-friendly alternative for managing conditions like depression, anxiety, and chronic pain – and even simply for optimizing your helath. Paired with holistic approaches, it offers a pathway to lasting relief and improved well-being.
If you’re curious about VNS or wondering if it’s right for you, contact us at NeuroPain Health to learn more.
Special for Dr. Weiner’s patients: discounts on Truvaga VNS Devices!
I am excited to partner with Truvaga, a clinically-proven vagus nerve stimulation device you can use whenever, wherever. Their product is gentle yet effective, helping you feel calmer, think clearer, and sleep better.
Use the following codes for a special discount for NeuroPain Health clients:
For Truvaga Plus, use code NEUROPAINPLUS for $30 off
For Truvaga 350, use code NEUROPAIN350 for $20 off
