All articles tagged with #vagus nerve stimulation
An 80-year-old Des Moines stroke survivor received a vagus nerve stimulation implant paired with rehab; after one week his handwriting improved, and doctors say the FDA-approved device could become more common to aid upper-limb recovery in stroke patients, with researchers cautiously exploring broader benefits.
The US RECOVER trial of 493 patients with severe, treatment-resistant depression found that an implanted vagus nerve stimulator produced lasting benefits: 69% had meaningful improvement at 12 months, and over 80% of those continued to improve or stay improved at 24 months; among strong early responders (50%+ symptom reduction), 92% remained improved at two years, and about one-third of initial non-responders improved by 24 months. While not a rapid fix and not universal in effect, the durable benefits (funded by device maker LivaNova) could influence coverage decisions for VNS as a treatment option.
The vagus nerve is a vast brain–body network that helps regulate heart rate, breathing, digestion and inflammation; higher vagal tone is linked to better well-being, while low tone is associated with chronic stress and disease. Implanted or noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation can help certain conditions, but at‑home devices and hype lack robust proof. Realistic ways to improve vagal tone include regular exercise, slow nasal diaphragmatic breathing, mindfulness meditation, and, to a lesser extent, cold exposure—though none replace medical care or a healthy lifestyle.
Emerging research suggests stimulating the vagus nerve may help preserve the locus coeruleus, a brainstem hub that regulates norepinephrine and memory, potentially slowing Alzheimer's- and age-related memory loss. Vagus nerve stimulation is already approved for epilepsy, migraine, and depression and may boost brain norepinephrine to support cognitive function. Early studies show memory benefits in mild cognitive impairment and even in healthy adults after brief stimulation, but results are preliminary and more research is needed.
A multicenter trial shows an implanted vagus nerve stimulator can produce durable improvements in mood, quality of life, and daily functioning for severe treatment-resistant depression, with most gains persisting at two years and over 20% of participants in remission; some patients improved only after extended treatment, highlighting potential but ongoing barriers like cost and coverage.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) involves using devices to send electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which can be done invasively or through skin patches, and is used for conditions like epilepsy and cluster headaches. While some users report benefits such as increased energy and improved sleep, scientific evidence is limited, and the effectiveness of these devices remains uncertain, with some experts suggesting placebo effects may play a role.
The wellness industry in 2026 will focus on innovative trends such as vagus nerve stimulation devices, sound healing, micro-personalized workouts, community-based activities, brain health, cellular longevity, low-impact exercise, heated infrared workouts, and hormone literacy, aiming to enhance mental, physical, and cellular health through science-backed and community-driven approaches.
Tommy Fello, a Cleveland restaurant owner who suffered a stroke, became one of the first patients to receive the FDA-approved Vivistim System, a brain implant that stimulates the vagus nerve to help regain muscle function, showing promising improvements in his mobility and daily activities.
A new FDA-approved implant called the Vivistim System, which uses vagus nerve stimulation to enhance neuroplasticity, has shown promising results in improving arm and hand function in stroke survivors, with one patient, Tommy Fello, experiencing significant progress after receiving the device at the Cleveland Clinic.
Ear tickling therapy involving the use of clips to zap the vagus nerve in the ear with a mild electric shock is being trialed in Russia as a potential non-invasive method to help obese individuals lose weight by curbing appetite. The trial, involving 150 obese participants, aims to determine the effectiveness of this approach without the use of drugs or surgery. The therapy targets the vagus nerve, which plays a role in controlling various bodily functions, and could offer a simpler alternative to existing weight loss treatments.
A study conducted by the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset found that young people suffering from mild to moderate Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis may experience reduced inflammation and symptom relief through noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation via the ear. Over 64% of participants experienced reduced inflammation, with about one-third of ulcerative colitis patients and half of Crohn's disease patients having no symptoms by the end of the 16-week study. The treatment, which involves placing a noninvasive probe in the ear, activates the vagus nerve and sends signals to the body to decrease inflammation. This non-medication-based therapy may be a promising alternative for children with gastrointestinal illnesses who are at risk of infections from immune-suppressive medications.