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Could a New Technique in Vagus Nerve Stimulation Transform Treatment for Epilepsy and Arthritis—Without the Side Effects?

IEEE Spectrum
Summary
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A new study finds that researchers can steer stimulation toward specific fibers and away from others by overlapping high-frequency currents inside the nerve.

The technique boosted signals to the lungs while sparing the throat, reducing unwanted effects without sacrificing therapeutic impact.

Vagus nerve stimulation ( VNS ) is already FDA -approved for epilepsy, depression, and stroke rehabilitation.

Imec developed the stimulation technique and created the integrated circuit to enable its precise delivery.

It still needs to fine-tune a range of parameters, from electrode placement to the exact frequencies and amplitudes of the stimulation currents.

With a few more tweaks, vagus therapies might finally hit just the right nerve.