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