Control of the central brain environment by vagus nerve stimulation

Abstract

Although the vagus nerve is best known for its projection from the center to peripheral organs, it actually has a higher percentage of afferent fibers that transmit peripheral information to the central nervous system. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which stimulates these afferent contacts, has been used as a palliative therapy for intractable epilepsy, and as a treatment for depression and other disorders. Recent studies have shown that vagus nerve stimulation not only has therapeutic effects on brain pathology, but also promotes learning and rehabilitation by creating neuroplasticity in the brain and altering the brain’s internal environment. It has been suggested that both neurons and glial cell function may be involved in these changes in the brain environment. Research on the control of the central brain environment from the periphery holds promise not only for epilepsy, but also as a new treatment method for a wide range of brain pathologies.