What is the stimulation of the vagus nerves?

stimulation of the vagus nerves is a neurological treatment that includes constant stimulation of vagus nerve, once of 12 skull nerves. This treatment is used in people with forms of epilepsy and depression that resist other types of treatment, and the research has also been carried out to see if this could be useful in the treatment of various other neurological problems such as Alzheimer's disease. The mechanism that the stimulation of the nerves of the vagus works is not really understood, although there are some theories that explain the phenomenon. The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis or as a bed procedure with general anesthesia depending on the patient and preferences of the neurosurgeon, which performs surgery. After implantation of the device, a neurologist using a programming wand is programmed, with a neurologist determining the most suitable level of stimulation.

The device on and off and provides intermittent stimulusACI nerve vagus. In humans with depression, this seems to cause neurotransmitters that can return the brain chemistry back into alignment, reducing the symptoms of depression. In patients with epilepsy, stimulation of nerve vagus may prevent seizures or arrests ongoing seizures; The device can be triggered by a magnet, allowing epileptics to experience Auras to set off the stimulator if it feels like a seizure.

This device can last between one and 15 years in the body, depending on programming. Strong signals sent more often tend to wear the battery, which requires faster replacement, while weaker occasional signals are less exhausting. In general, patients do not know when the device is on, although disorders can lead patients to experience strange feelings that can be repaired by reprogramming or replacement of devices.

Sometimes it is called pacemaker for brain, stimulation of nerves vagus may be a therapeutic option for patients who do not seem to reThey agate for other treatment and techniques of steering. Because it does not include surgery on the brain, it is much less invasive than some treatment options and risks are significantly reduced. The risks of vagus nerve stimulation may include sleep apnea development, swallowing, cough and hoarseness, along with surgical infection, or equipment disorders that cause discomfort.