vagus nerve stimulation

Vagus Nerve Stimulation, or VNS, has been available for the treatment of epilepsy since 1997 and was approved by the FDA for the adjunctive treatment of refractory depression in 2005. VNS relies upon the use of a surgically implanted device which delivers periodic stimulation to the vagus nerve. How VNS therapy works is not completely understood; however, several studies have suggested that this technique may be effective for some patients with treatment-resistant depression.