A Review of Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) & Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) and Its Applications in Modern Medicine

The vagus nerve constitutes a significant element of the autonomic nervous system, serving a crucial function in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and playing a pivotal role in the neuroendocrine-immune axis (The three different systems that contribute to development and maintenance of homeostasis, the nervous, endocrine and immune systems are closely interrelated [the neuroendocrine-immune axis(۱)]) to uphold equilibrium via its afferent and efferent pathways. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) encompasses various methods of stimulating the vagus nerve, involving both manual and electrical techniques. The vagus nerve (tenth cranial nerve) plays a significant role in regulating various physiological functions, including heart rate, respiratory activity, and digestive processes. In this study, we will examine the applications of VNS and taVNS and their differences. taVNS is a non-intrusive version of VNS which in turn makes it easier to use and it is more affordable. It also doesn’t need a specialist to be used, thus patients could take it home and learn to use it by themselves.