Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Epilepsy: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Approaches

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy is a neuromodulation technique useful for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy and treatment-resistant depression. This article begins by reviewing the neuroanatomy and physiology of the vagus nerve. It then delves into recent advances in our understanding of VNS's mechanism of action at different levels: how it affects different nerve fibers, how it affects neural pathways, and how it creates anti-inflammatory effects. This article then surveys research to adapt and optimize VNS, guided by an improved understanding of its mechanism of action and descriptions of its effects.