With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Gabrielle J. Melin, M.D.

Vagus nerve stimulation was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the summer of 2005 for the treatment of chronic, or recurrent, treatment-resistant depression (not as a first-line treatment). More specifically, it is indicated for those whose depression has not responded to the usual treatments. As with deep brain stimulation this is not a treatment that is for everyone. Vagus nerve stimulation also did not effectively treat depression in everyone who does receive it. Vagus nerve stimulation was first approved by the FDA in 1997 for use in epilepsy (seizure disorder).

Vagus nerve stimulation requires that an electrode or pulse generator (like a pacemaker) is surgically implanted under the skin in the left area of the chest. A wire is connected from the electrode to the left vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is connected to the brain and sends signals to the brain. This leads to stimulation of the limbic system in the brain. This system is responsible for regulating a variety of functions — including mood, appetite, motivation and sleep patterns. We know that all of these can be affected during a depressive episode.

Vagus nerve stimulation may take several months before appreciable benefit is noticed. Medications, too, can take 6 to 8 or more weeks to get the full benefit. Vagus nerve stimulation though, does not tend to have side effects that are possible with some medications, such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. Vagus nerve stimulation is used in combination with other therapies including medications and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Mayo Clinic does not treat depression with vagus nerve stimulation. We would recommend you check with a major university or teaching /tertiary hospital in your state for additional information. If you qualify for vagus nerve stimulation, check with your insurance company as well to see if it is covered.

As always, thank you sincerely for your interest in mayoclinic.com.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Depression (major depression)
• Postpartum depression
• Depression self-assessment

Add to del.icio.us Digg This Add to Technorati Stumble It!

ARTICLE TOOLS

Latest entries