Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Novel Non-Invasive Non-Pharmacologic Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

USFDA formally approved Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) as an adjunct therapy for treatment-resistant depression in 2005. High expense and possible post-op infection is the obstacle of VNS promotion. Previously, our studies revealed that the concha region is the only superficial region of vagus nerve in mammals. Whether concha region stimulation (Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, taVNS) can reach similar effect in reducing depression as classic VNS? We have been carrying out animal experiments and clinical trials to verify it. These studies have been revealing that taVNS is a novel safe and low-cost non- invasive non-pharmacologic efficacy-guaranteed treatment for major depressive disorder.