Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the longest nerve in the human body and is a major component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and calming the body when it is in a state of stress. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapeutic technique used to modulate the activity of the vagus nerve for the treatment of a variety of disorders, including depression, epileptic seizures, and bipolar disorder. It involves the use of an electrical device, implanted under the skin of the chest, that sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve in order to stimulate it. VNS is an effective and safe treatment option for many neurological and psychiatric disorders, as it has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.