Vagus Nerve Stimulation

This is the second part in a two-volume work on neuromodulation. It describes the techniques and procedures applied by direct contact with the central nervous system or cranial nerves (in order to modulate the function of neural networks) or in deeply located structures inside the nervous system (in order to alter the function on specific networks).

Could neurostimulation be a management option for yourpatients? Neurostimulation techniques present real management options forpatients with a range of neurologic and psychiatric disorders, suchas movement disorders, pain and depression. They should be activelyconsidered when conventional medical approaches have failed or areinappropriate. But for many clinicians, these new methods pose manyquestions. What are the available modalities? How do they work?Which patients might benefit from them? How do I explain theprocesses to patients? How do I monitor my patient’s progressafter implantation? Neurostimulation provides a concise, easy-to-read fusion ofthe clinical applications of implanted neurostimulators. Itdemystifies selection and referral criteria, maximizing therapy,programming the implanted neuromodulators, monitoring progress andtroubleshooting problems associated with neurostimulation. Written by an international cast of experts,Neurostimulation, sets the stage for you to provide realclinical benefit to your patients who might receive, or are alreadyusing, neurostimulators.

This practical guide to understanding the cranial nerves as the key to our psychological and physical well-being builds on Stephen Porges’s Polyvagal Theory—one of the most important recent developments in human neurobiology. Drawing on more than thirty years of experience as a craniosacral therapist and Rolfer, Stanley Rosenberg explores the crucial role that the vagus nerve plays in determining our psychological and emotional states and explains that a myriad of common psychological and physical symptoms—from anxiety and depression to migraines and back pain—indicates a lack of proper functioning in the vagus nerve. Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma. Additionally, by exploring the link between a well-regulated vagus nerve and social functioning, Rosenberg’s findings and methods offer new hope that by improving social behavior it is possible to alleviate some of the symptoms at the core of many cases of autism spectrum disorders. Useful for psychotherapists, doctors, bodyworkers, and caregivers, as well as anyone who experiences the symptoms of chronic stress and depression, this book shows how we can optimize autonomic functioning in ourselves and others, and bring the body into the state of safety that activates its innate capacity to heal.

Treatment-resistant major depression and bipolar disorder are highly prevalent and disabling conditions associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Providing a concise view of the current definitions, assessment and evidence-based management of such disorders, this work reviews novel therapeutic targets, which may enhance the future therapeutic armamentarium of clinicians.

Among neuromodulation procedures, electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves (PNS) is probably the most underappreciated modality. Although PNS is used for all kinds of medical conditions, ranging from chronic neuropathic pain and headache to epilepsy, depression, hypertension and heart failure, its importance is frequently overshadowed by spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation. While the earlier version of this book dealt exclusively with various pain syndromes, this new volume covers the entire spectrum of PNS applications. Written by recognized authorities in their respective fields, the chapters of this title describe the use of PNS in the management of neurological, psychiatric, otorhinolaryngological, cardiovascular, pulmonary, colorectal and genitourinary disorders. To reflect the complexity of the regulatory process, the book ends with a special chapter dedicated to the current state of approval of different PNS devices. This book will be of great value to all those who deal with neuromodulation, including clinicians who select PNS candidates, surgeons and other specialists who implant PNS devices, and researchers and engineers who work on making the stimulators safer and more effective.

Learn how exercising your vagus nerve, which regulates functions in the body such as digestion, heart rate and the immune system, can improve your health. Anatomists were stumped. How could the vagus nerve, a single nerve beginning in the brainstem, be so long and connect to so many different organs? What effects could this nerve possibly employ? With such a vast array of potential functions, what would happen if this nerve was injured or cut? This helpful guide provides all the tools you need to understand and heal your vagus nerve, the rest, digest and recovery system. You’ll learn simple yet powerful techniques to address a variety of ailments health challenges, like inflammation, gut sensitivity and brain fog, from their root causes originating with the vagus nerve. Author Dr. Navaz Habib lays out easy-to-follow daily and weekly routines to help on the path to healing, including: Breathing Techniques Exercises for Mindfulness Tools to Improve Your Digestion Functional Medicine Testing Acupuncture and Massage and more.

This second edition presents a timely and practical discussion of vagal nerve stimulation in a clear and well-illustrated format. It provides a clinical approach to the treatment of patients with medically-intractable seizures, as well as for those with depression (a new indication since the publication of first edition). The book's focus has made it successful, as it zeros in on clinically relevant findings. The new edition includes downloadable resources with actual footage of the implantation procedure and the latest research findings of the treatment potential for depression and obesity. Vagus Nerve Stimulation gives the attending neurologist step-by-step information on this exciting method of treating epilepsy.