Vagus nerve stimulator
Vagus Nerve Stimulator
A Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) is a medical device used primarily to treat epilepsy and depression. The device sends electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which then sends these impulses to the brain.
Pronunciation
Vagus Nerve Stimulator: /ˈveɪɡəs nɜːrv ˈstɪmjʊleɪtər/
Etymology
The term "Vagus Nerve Stimulator" is derived from the Latin word "vagus", meaning "wandering", and the English words "nerve" and "stimulator". The vagus nerve is so named because it "wanders" from the brain into organs in the neck, chest, and abdomen.
Usage
The Vagus Nerve Stimulator is surgically implanted under the skin in the chest. A wire (lead) connected to this device is wound around the vagus nerve in the neck. The device sends electrical signals along the nerve to the brainstem, which then sends signals to certain areas in 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.
- Vagus Nerve: The tenth cranial nerve that interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
- Neurostimulation: The purposeful modulation of the nervous system's activity using invasive (e.g. microelectrodes) or non-invasive means (e.g. transcranial magnetic stimulation or transcranial electric stimulation, tES, such as tDCS or transcranial alternating current stimulation, tACS).
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vagus nerve stimulator
- Wikipedia's article - Vagus nerve stimulator
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