Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression
Moeller S, Luecke C, Heinen C, Bewernick BH, Aydin M, Lam AP, Groemer TW, Philipsen A, Mueller HHO (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Journal
Article Number: e58264
Journal Issue: 143
DOI: 10.3791/58264
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an approved neurostimulation therapy. The purpose of the method is to treat patients with therapy-resistant depression (TRD). VNS exhibits antidepressive and stabilizing effects. This method is particularly useful as a long-term treatment, in which up to two-thirds of patients respond. The vagus nerve stimulator is positioned on the left vagus nerve during a surgical procedure and is activated telemetrically by a wand connected to a handheld computerized device. The treating physician can perform various adjustments of the vagus nerve stimulator during in-office visits (e.g., by modifying stimulation intensity or stimulation frequency) to achieve maximum therapeutic effects with low side effects. Set-up of the device usually takes several months. Typical side effects include wound infection, temporary salivation, coughing, paralysis of the vocal cords, bradycardia, or even asystole. The patient can stop the VNS by placing a magnet over the generator. The current protocol describes delivery of the specific stimulation tool and methods for adjusting the tuning parameters to achieve the best remission rates in patients with TRD.
Involved external institutions
Germany (DE)How to cite
APA:
Moeller, S., Luecke, C., Heinen, C., Bewernick, B.H., Aydin, M., Lam, A.P.,... Mueller, H.H.O. (2019). Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 143. https://dx.doi.org/10.3791/58264
MLA:
Moeller, Sebastian, et al. "Vagus Nerve Stimulation As an Adjunctive Neurostimulation Tool in Treatment-resistant Depression." Journal of Visualized Experiments 143 (2019).
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