What is nerve stimulation and how does it treat depression and seizures?
Chronic depression can be an illness that requires life-long management. Success rates in treating depression are sometimes low, and it is estimated that more than half of patients with depression have significant relapses. Drugs and electroconvulsive (shock therapy) treatment may not relieve symptoms in some patients. Seizures also do not always respond to treatment. Some patients have tried two or more medications and still have seizures, as well as side effects from the drugs, both of which affect their quality of life. Vagus nerve stimulation is a technique in which a small device is implanted under the skin of the chest. A small wire runs to the vagus nerve, which is then stimulated by the device, in much the same way a pacemaker works. Patients with depression usually experience an improvement in alertness and memory, plus have more energy and a better mood. These quality-of-life benefits improve over time. Vagus nerve stimulation has proven to be a safe and effective way to cont
