Today I want to highlight another possible treatment option for depression – vagus nerve stimulation, or VNS. The Mayo Clinic has a very good overview of VNS, which is my source of information and can be found here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vagus-nerve-stimulation/about/pac-20384565
Vagus nerve stimulation is typically used for seizures and depression, but research is being done to determine if there is a benefit in other conditions. And, while most vagus nerve stimulators are implanted, there are some noninvasive stimulators now available. There are two vagus nerves – one on each side of the body, and they run from the brainstem through your neck and into the chest and abdomen.
When it comes to depression, vagus nerve stimulation has been used for treatment-resistant depression. These are patients who have tried things like medications, counseling, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and have still not experienced much or any relief. From what I can see, it is not known how VNS works to treat depression, and the research is mixed on the benefits of using an implanatable VNS device in this population. There may also be an issue with getting the procedure covered by insurance. Overall, my interpretation is that this is currently a last ditch effort to try something when nothing else is working. It may not be a great option, but it is an option when other traditional methods have failed.
If someone is considering VNS for depression, it is important to remember that it will likely be an invasive procedure that comes with potential risks and side effects. Some examples include infection, pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, and shortness of breath. Although hopefully these are minimal, it is important to know risks, benefits, and potential side effects before the procedure.
What are your thoughts on VNS? Does it seems worth trying if everything else has seemed a failure?