Vagus nerve stimulation. A potential therapy for resistant depression?

Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)

VNS builds on a long history of investigating the relationship of autonomic signals to limbic and cortical function and is one of the newest methods to physically alter brain function. VNS is a clinically useful anticonvulsant therapy in treatment resistant patients with epilepsy, and pilot data suggest that it has potential as an antidepressant therapy. The known anatomic projections of the vagus nerve suggest that VNS also might have other neuropsychiatric applications. Additional research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of action of VNS and the potential clinical utility of this intriguing new somatic portal into the CNS.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • George, MS; Sackeim, HA; Marangell, LB; Husain, MM; Nahas, Z; Lisanby, SH; Ballenger, JC; Rush, AJ

Published Date

  • December 2000

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 23 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 757 - 783

PubMed ID

  • 11147246

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0193-953X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/s0193-953x(05)70196-9

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States