3. Vagus nerve stimulation treats depression
A non-invasive method of vagus nerve stimulation has been used to treat depression, according to a new study.Researchers at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Harvard Medical School reported that there was a successful reduction of depressive symptoms in patients who underwent vagus nerve stimulation. The study also suggests that there was a modest benefit over a long period of time, according to a press release.
Each participant had a functional neuroimaging scan before and after stimulation. Through a modified version of vagus nerve stimulation called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, participants in the study had electrodes clipped to their ears like headphones to stimulate the vagus nerve.
Neuroimaging scans after vagus nerve stimulation showed that there was an increased functional connectivity between a patient’s default mode network and precuneus and orbital prefrontal cortex.
Patricia T Perry says
Hey. I have a son in law that suffers from chronic stomach pain and has for many years. He is 44 and has been to John Hopkins, Duke, and smaller hospitals over the last 10 plus years. All they can do is give him medicine. He is disabled, in the bed most of the time, unable to be a husband or father of an autistic 6 year old. He has developed diabetes now. They say there is a disconnect between his brain and the nerve linings of his stomach. I happened to see this article and was wondering if this brain stimulation could be an answer to prayer. What do you think?
Regards,
Pat
Chris Newmarker says
Thanks for reaching out, Pat. I’m not an expert, so I don’t know enough to answer your question intelligently. I would suggest reaching out to researchers and companies doing neuromodulation work and get their opinions. EnteroMedics, for example, has a neuromodulation device to treat obesity. (http://www.enteromedics.com/) Perhaps they might have insights? Hope this helps. Hope your son-in-law’s health improves.