Vagus nerve stimulation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a type of therapy used primarily to treat epilepsy and depression. Its name derives from the Vagus nerve, one of the 12 cranial nerves, which it directly stimulates.
Pronunciation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation: /ˈveɪɡəs nɜːrv stɪmjʊˈleɪʃən/
Etymology
The term "Vagus" comes from the Latin word for "wandering". This is because the Vagus nerve extends from the brain into the abdomen, wandering through the body. "Stimulation" refers to the act of encouraging or prompting an increased activity or energy.
Description
Vagus Nerve Stimulation involves sending mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain via the Vagus nerve. This is typically achieved through a device that is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest, similar to a pacemaker. The device is connected to the Vagus nerve in the neck and sends regular, mild pulses of electrical energy to the brain.
Related Terms
- Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
- Depression: A mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
- Neurology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system.
- Cranial nerves: The 12 paired nerves that come directly from the brain, as opposed to the spinal cord, and pass through separate apertures in the skull.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vagus nerve stimulation
- Wikipedia's article - Vagus nerve stimulation
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