The role of vagus nerve stimulation in neurological disorders

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has shown promising outcomes for patients with a variety of brain disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of VNS across different neurological and physiological conditions, emphasizing its mechanisms, clinical applications, safety, and future research directions. VNS is primarily recognized for its effectiveness in treating epilepsy and depression. By delivering electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, this therapy influences brain regions linked to mood, memory, and motor function. Beyond epilepsy and depression, VNS has demonstrated potential in aiding stroke recovery, managing chronic pain, and treating conditions such as Parkinson and Alzheimer diseases by modulating neuroplasticity and inflammatory pathways. Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain, particularly in optimizing stimulation parameters and deepening our understanding of its mechanisms, especially regarding memory and learning. Current research aims to refine stimulation techniques and explore noninvasive methods, such as percutaneous VNS, to expand treatment options without the need for surgery. Furthermore, future studies may investigate combining VNS with other therapies, like pharmacological treatments, and developing closed-loop systems to enhance its efficacy. In conclusion, while VNS offers a promising therapeutic approach for a broad spectrum of conditions, further research is needed to fully harness its potential.