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Gerges ANH, Williams EER, Hillier S, Uy J, Hamilton T, Chamberlain S, Hordacre B. Clinical application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38362860 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2313123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation therapy. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic use of taVNS, optimal stimulation parameters, effective sham protocols, and safety. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. Five databases and grey literature were searched. The data extracted included stimulation parameters, adverse events (AEs), and therapeutic effects on clinical outcomes. RESULTS 109 studies were included. taVNS was used across 21 different clinical populations, most commonly in psychiatric, cardiac, and neurological disorders. Overall, 2,214 adults received active taVNS and 1,017 received sham taVNS. Reporting of stimulation parameters was limited and inconsistent. taVNS appeared to have a favourable therapeutic effect across a wide range of clinical populations with varied parameters. Three sham protocols were reported but their effectiveness was documented in only two of the 54 sham-controlled studies. Most reported adverse events were localised to stimulation site. CONCLUSION There is growing evidence for taVNS therapeutic effect. taVNS appears safe and tolerable. Sham protocols need evaluation. Standardised and comprehensive reporting of both stimulation parameters and adverse events is required. Two different questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate adverse events and the effectiveness of sham methods in blinding participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf N H Gerges
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ellen E R Williams
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Susan Hillier
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeric Uy
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Taya Hamilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
- Fourier Intelligence International Pte Ltd., Global Headquarters, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saran Chamberlain
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Hordacre
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Guo B, Han Q, Ni J, Yan Z. Research hotspots and frontiers of neuromodulation techniques in disorders of consciousness: a bibliometric analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1343471. [PMID: 38260028 PMCID: PMC10800698 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1343471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The characteristics of disorders of consciousness (DOC) are changes in arousal and/or awareness caused by severe brain injuries. To date, the management of DOC patients remains a complex and challenging task, and neuromodulation techniques offer a promising solution. However, a bibliometric analysis focusing on neuromodulation techniques in DOC is currently absent. The aim of this study is to provide a bibliometric visualization analysis to investigate the research hotspots and frontiers in the field of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022. Methods The publications were collected and retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2012 to 2022. CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel were utilized perform the first global bibliographic analysis of the literature related to neuromodulation techniques for DOC. Results The analysis included a total of 338 publications. From 2012 to 2022, a consistent yet irregular increase in the number of articles published on neuromodulation techniques in DOC was observed. Frontiers in Neurology published the highest number of papers (n = 16). Neurosciences represented the main research hotspot category (n = 170). The most prolific country, institution, and author were the USA (n = 105), the University of Liege (n = 41), and Laureys Steven (n = 38), respectively. An analysis of keywords revealed that UWS/VS, MCS, and TMS constituted the primary research trends and focal points within this domain. Conclusion This bibliometric study sheds light on the current progress and emerging trends of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022. The focal topics in this domain encompass the precise diagnosis of consciousness levels in patients suffering from DOC and the pursuit of efficacious neuromodulation-based evaluation and treatment protocols for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilian Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiong Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Wang Y, Zhang J, Zhai W, Wang Y, Li S, Yang Y, Zheng Y, He J, Rong P. Current status and prospect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for disorders of consciousness. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1274432. [PMID: 38260020 PMCID: PMC10800843 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1274432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Disordered Consciousness (DOC) is among neurological disorders for which there is currently no admitted treatment. The pathogenesis of DOC is still unclear, covering a variety of indistinguishable types of diseases, high misdiagnosis rate and poor prognosis. Most treatments remain to be clarified in the future to provide adequate evidence for clinical guidance. Neuromodulation technology aims to regulate neural circuits to promote awakening more directly. At present, it is confirmed that the potential of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a therapeutic tool is worth exploring in the context of consciousness disorders, as previously proposed for invasive forms of VNS, in which the means of stimulating the vagus nerve to change the brain areas related to cosciousness have also received widespread attention. In this paper, we review the literature on taVNS and DOC to better understand the current status and development prospect of taVNS treament as a non-invasive neuromodulation method with sensitivity and/or specificity at the single subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Weihang Zhai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfeng Zheng
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhou Y, Sun Y, He P, Xiong Q, Kang J, Tang Y, Feng Z, Dong X. The efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for patients with minimally conscious state: a sham-controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1323079. [PMID: 38156271 PMCID: PMC10752952 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1323079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a potentially effective neuromodulation technique for addressing neurological disorders, including disorders of consciousness. Expanding upon our prior clinical study, which demonstrated the superior effectiveness of a 4-week taVNS treatment in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) compared to those in a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of taVNS in individuals with MCS through a sham-controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial. Methods A cohort of 50 adult patients (male = 33, female = 17) diagnosed with a MCS were randomly assigned to either the active taVNS (N = 25) or sham taVNS (N = 25) groups. The treatment period lasted for 4 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period. The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were administered at baseline and weekly during the initial 4 weeks. Additionally, the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) was used to assess the patients' functional abilities via telephone at week 12. Furthermore, various neurophysiological measures, including electroencephalogram (EEG), upper-limb somatosensory evoked potentials (USEP), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), and P300 event-related potentials (P300), were employed to monitor changes in brain activity and neural conduction pathways. Results The scores for the active taVNS group in the CRS-R and GCS showed greater improvement over time compared to the sham taVNS group (CRS-R: 1-week, Z = -1.248, p = 0.212; 2-week, Z = -1.090, p = 0.276; 3-week, Z = -2.017, p = 0.044; 4-week, Z = -2.267, p = 0.023. GCS: 1-week, Z = -1.325, p = 0.185; 2-week, Z = -1.245, p = 0.213; 3-week, Z = -1.848, p = 0.065; 4-week, Z = -1.990, p = 0.047). Additionally, the EEG, USEP, BAEP, and P300 also demonstrated significant improvement in the active taVNS group compared to the sham taVNS group at week 4 (EEG, Z = -2.086, p = 0.037; USEP, Z = -2.014, p = 0.044; BAEP, Z = -2.298, p = 0.022; P300 amplitude, Z = -1.974, p = 0.049; P300 latency, t = 2.275, p = 0.027). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with MCS derived greater benefits from receiving taVNS treatment earlier (CRS-R, Disease duration ≤ 1-month, mean difference = 8.50, 95% CI = [2.22, 14.78], p = 0.027; GCS, Disease duration ≤ 1-month, mean difference = 3.58, 95% CI = [0.14, 7.03], p = 0.044). By week 12, the active taVNS group exhibited lower Disability Rating Scale (DRS) scores compared to the sham taVNS group (Z = -2.105, p = 0.035), indicating a more favorable prognosis for MCS patients who underwent taVNS. Furthermore, no significant adverse events related to taVNS were observed during treatment. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that taVNS may serve as a potentially effective and safe intervention for facilitating the restoration of consciousness in individuals diagnosed with MCS. This therapeutic approach appears to enhance cerebral functioning and optimize neural conduction pathways. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn, Identifier ChiCTR2200066629.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yejing Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junwei Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yunliang Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyang Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Sanker V, Kundu M, El Kassem S, El Nouiri A, Emara M, Maaz ZA, Nazir A, Bekele BK, Uwishema O. Posttraumatic hydrocephalus: Recent advances and new therapeutic strategies. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1713. [PMID: 38028696 PMCID: PMC10652704 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hydrocephalus or ventriculomegaly is a condition brought on by an overabundance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricular system. The major contributor to posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) is traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), especially in individuals with occupations set in industrial settings. A variety of criteria have been employed for the diagnosis of PTH, including the combination of neurological symptoms like nerve deficits and headache, as well as an initial improvement followed by a worsened relapse of altered consciousness and neurological deterioration, which is detected by computed tomography-brain imaging that reveals gradual ventriculomegaly. Aim In this article, we discuss and summarize briefly the current understandings and advancements in the management of PTH. Methods The available literature for this review was searched on various bibliographic databases using an individually verified, prespecified approach. The level of evidence of the included studies was considered as per the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine recommendations. Results The commonly practiced current treatment modality involves shunting CSF but is often associated with complications and recurrence. The lack of a definitive management strategy for PTH warrants the utilization of novel and innovative modalities such as stem cell transplantations and antioxidative stress therapies. Conclusion One of the worst complications of a TBI is PTH, which has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Even though there hasn't been a successful method in stopping PTH from happening, hemorrhage-derived blood, and its metabolic by-products, like iron, hemoglobin, free radicals, thrombin, and red blood cells, may be potential targets for PTH hindrance and management. Also, using stem cell transplantations in animal models and antioxidative stress therapies in future studies can lower PTH occurrence and improve its outcome. Moreover, the integration of clinical trials and theoretical knowledge should be encouraged in future research projects to establish effective and updated management guidelines for PTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Sanker
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Society of Brain Mapping and TherapeuticsLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mrinmoy Kundu
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM HospitalBhubaneswarIndia
| | - Sarah El Kassem
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of MedicineBeirut Arab UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Ahmad El Nouiri
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of MedicineBeirut Arab UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Mohamed Emara
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- College of MedicineUniversity of SharjahSharjahUnited Arab Emirates
| | - Zeina Al Maaz
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Faculty of MedicineBeirut Arab UniversityBeirutLebanon
| | - Abubakar Nazir
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
| | - Bezawit Kassahun Bekele
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- School of MedicineAddis Ababa UniversityAddis AbabaEthiopia
- Milken Institute of Public HealthGeorge Washington UniversityWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and EducationKigaliRwanda
- Department of medicineClinton Global Initiative UniversityNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Faculty of MedicineKaradeniz Technical UniversityTrabzonTurkey
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Zhang H, Zhao Y, Qu Y, Du J, Peng Y. Transcutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study. Neuromodulation 2023:S1094-7159(23)00747-X. [PMID: 37865889 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation has shown promising results in improving cognitive and motor function after stroke. However, to our knowledge, there have been no studies in the modulation of the cervical vagus nerve using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) with cognitive dysfunction. Thus, we conducted a single-arm feasibility trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of rTMS of the vagus nerve in patients with TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled ten patients with TBI and administered half-hour vagus nerve magnetic stimulation (VNMS) sessions for ten days to evaluate the feasibility of the treatment. The Montreal cognitive assessment-Beijing (MoCA-B), the Digit Span Test, and the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) were used to measure cognitive function before and after the VNMS treatment. Physiological parameters of all subjects were assessed by electrocardiogram. RESULTS The findings showed that daily half-hour VNMS for ten days was feasible in patients with TBI, with minimal side effects and no clinically significant effects on physiological parameters. Eight patients showed improvement in MoCA-B, and five patients showed improvement in immediate memory as measured by AVLT. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that VNMS is a safe and feasible treatment option for patients with TBI with cognitive dysfunction. However, further controlled studies are necessary to establish the efficacy of VNMS in promoting cognitive recovery after TBI. SIGNIFICANCE This study is, to our knowledge, the first study to investigate the feasibility of VNMS for cognitive dysfunction in patients with TBI. Our findings offer the possibility of rTMS applied to the vagus nerve in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China; College of Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, Sichuan, China
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Wang L, Gao F, Wang Z, Liang F, Dai Y, Wang M, Wu J, Chen Y, Yan Q, Wang L. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of disorders of consciousness: mechanisms and applications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1286267. [PMID: 37920298 PMCID: PMC10618368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1286267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in treating disorders of consciousness (DOC). Beginning with an exploration of the vagus nerve's role in modulating brain function and consciousness, we then delve into the neuroprotective potential of taVNS demonstrated in animal models. The subsequent sections assess the therapeutic impact of taVNS on human DOC, discussing the safety, tolerability, and various factors influencing the treatment response. Finally, the review identifies the current challenges in taVNS research and outlines future directions, emphasizing the need for large-scale trials, optimization of treatment parameters, and comprehensive investigation of taVNS's long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive overview positions taVNS as a promising and safe modality for DOC treatment, with a focus on understanding its intricate neurophysiological influence and optimizing its application in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feng Liang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yongli Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengchun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yaning Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qinjie Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Litong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Dong X, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Feng Z. Stimulation of vagus nerve for patients with disorders of consciousness: a systematic review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1257378. [PMID: 37781261 PMCID: PMC10540190 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1257378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stimulating the vagus nerve in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Methods A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing the search of databases such as PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE and PEDro from their inception until July 2023. Additionally, manual searches and exploration of grey literature were performed. The literature review was conducted independently by two reviewers for search strategy, selection of studies, data extraction, and judgment of evidence quality according to the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Study Quality Scale. Results A total of 1,269 articles were retrieved, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, there were three case reports, five case series, and only two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Preliminary studies have suggested that stimulation of vagus nerve can enhance the levels of DOCs in both vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). However, due to a lack of high-quality RCTs research and evidence-based medical evidence, no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the intervention's effectiveness on consciousness level. Additionally, there were no significant adverse effects observed following stimulation of vagus nerve. Conclusion A definitive conclusion cannot be drawn from this systematic review as there was a limited number of eligible studies and low-quality evidence. The findings of this systematic review can serve as a roadmap for future research on the use of stimulation of vagus nerve to facilitate recovery from DOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Evancho A, Tyler WJ, McGregor K. A review of combined neuromodulation and physical therapy interventions for enhanced neurorehabilitation. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1151218. [PMID: 37545593 PMCID: PMC10400781 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1151218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rehabilitation approaches for individuals with neurologic conditions have increasingly shifted toward promoting neuroplasticity for enhanced recovery and restoration of function. This review focuses on exercise strategies and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques that target neuroplasticity, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS). We have chosen to focus on non-invasive neuromodulation techniques due to their greater potential for integration into routine clinical practice. We explore and discuss the application of these interventional strategies in four neurological conditions that are frequently encountered in rehabilitation settings: Parkinson's Disease (PD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), stroke, and Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Additionally, we discuss the potential benefits of combining non-invasive neuromodulation with rehabilitation, which has shown promise in accelerating recovery. Our review identifies studies that demonstrate enhanced recovery through combined exercise and non-invasive neuromodulation in the selected patient populations. We primarily focus on the motor aspects of rehabilitation, but also briefly address non-motor impacts of these conditions. Additionally, we identify the gaps in current literature and barriers to implementation of combined approaches into clinical practice. We highlight areas needing further research and suggest avenues for future investigation, aiming to enhance the personalization of the unique neuroplastic responses associated with each condition. This review serves as a resource for rehabilitation professionals and researchers seeking a comprehensive understanding of neuroplastic exercise interventions and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques tailored for specific diseases and diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Evancho
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - William J. Tyler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Keith McGregor
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Studies, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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Ziesel D, Nowakowska M, Scheruebel S, Kornmueller K, Schäfer U, Schindl R, Baumgartner C, Üçal M, Rienmüller T. Electrical stimulation methods and protocols for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: a critical review of preclinical research. J Neuroeng Rehabil 2023; 20:51. [PMID: 37098582 PMCID: PMC10131365 DOI: 10.1186/s12984-023-01159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disabilities resulting from cognitive and neurological deficits, as well as psychological disorders. Only recently, preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods as a potential treatment of TBI sequelae has gained more traction. However, the underlying mechanisms of the anticipated improvements induced by these methods are still not fully understood. It remains unclear in which stage after TBI they are best applied to optimize the therapeutic outcome, preferably with persisting effects. Studies with animal models address these questions and investigate beneficial long- and short-term changes mediated by these novel modalities. METHODS In this review, we present the state-of-the-art in preclinical research on electrical stimulation methods used to treat TBI sequelae. We analyze publications on the most commonly used electrical stimulation methods, namely transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), that aim to treat disabilities caused by TBI. We discuss applied stimulation parameters, such as the amplitude, frequency, and length of stimulation, as well as stimulation time frames, specifically the onset of stimulation, how often stimulation sessions were repeated and the total length of the treatment. These parameters are then analyzed in the context of injury severity, the disability under investigation and the stimulated location, and the resulting therapeutic effects are compared. We provide a comprehensive and critical review and discuss directions for future research. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We find that the parameters used in studies on each of these stimulation methods vary widely, making it difficult to draw direct comparisons between stimulation protocols and therapeutic outcome. Persisting beneficial effects and adverse consequences of electrical simulation are rarely investigated, leaving many questions about their suitability for clinical applications. Nevertheless, we conclude that the stimulation methods discussed here show promising results that could be further supported by additional research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ziesel
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
| | - M Nowakowska
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - S Scheruebel
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - K Kornmueller
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - U Schäfer
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - R Schindl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Biophysics Division, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - C Baumgartner
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - M Üçal
- Research Unit of Experimental Neurotraumatology, Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - T Rienmüller
- Institute of Health Care Engineering with European Testing Center of Medical Devices, Graz University of Technology, Graz, Austria.
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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Zhai W, Jiao H, Zhuang Y, Yang Y, Zhang J, Wang Y, Wang Y, Zhao YN, Zhang S, He J, Rong P. Optimizing the modulation paradigm of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with disorders of consciousness: A prospective exploratory pilot study protocol. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1145699. [PMID: 37008222 PMCID: PMC10050378 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1145699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique. Several studies have reported the effectiveness of taVNS in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC); however, differences in the modulation paradigm have led to inconsistent treatment outcomes. Methods/design This prospective exploratory trial will include 15 patients with a minimally conscious state (MCS) recruited according to the coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R). Each patient will receive 5 different frequencies of taVNS (1, 10, 25, 50, and 100 Hz); sham stimulation will be used as a blank control. The order of stimulation will be randomized, and the patients' CRS-R scores and resting electroencephalography (EEG) before and after stimulation will be recorded. Discussion The overall study of taVNS used in treating patients with DOC is still in the preliminary stage of exploration. Through this experiment, we aim to explore the optimal stimulation frequency parameters of taVNS for the treatment of DOC patients. Furthermore, we expect to achieve a stable improvement of consciousness in DOC patients by continuously optimizing the neuromodulation paradigm of taVNS for the treatment of DOC patients. Clinical trial registration https://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR 2200063828.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihang Zhai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyang Jiao
- Institute of Documentation, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhao
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Marino MH, Koffer J, Nalla S. Update on Disorders of Consciousness. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-023-00384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
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13
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Surendrakumar S, Rabelo TK, Campos ACP, Mollica A, Abrahao A, Lipsman N, Burke MJ, Hamani C. Neuromodulation Therapies in Pre-Clinical Models of Traumatic Brain Injury: Systematic Review and Translational Applications. J Neurotrauma 2023; 40:435-448. [PMID: 35983592 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been associated with several lasting impairments that affect quality of life. Pre-clinical models of TBI have been studied to further our understanding of the underlying short-term and long-term symptomatology. Neuromodulation techniques have become of great interest in recent years as potential rehabilitative therapies after injury because of their capacity to alter neuronal activity and neural circuits in targeted brain regions. This systematic review aims to provide an overlook of the behavioral and neurochemical effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in pre-clinical TBI models. After screening 629 abstracts, 30 articles were pooled for review. These studies showed that tDCS, TMS, DBS, or VNS delivered to rodents restored TBI-induced deficits in coordination, balance, locomotor activity and improved cognitive impairments in memory, learning, and impulsivity. Potential mechanisms for these effects included neuroprotection, a decrease in apoptosis, neuroplasticity, and the restoration of neural circuit abnormalities. The translational value, potential applicability, and the interpretation of these findings in light of outcome data from clinical trials in patients with TBI are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanan Surendrakumar
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thallita Kelly Rabelo
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Carolina P Campos
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Agessandro Abrahao
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J Burke
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Neuropsychiatry Program, Department of Psychiatry, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Hurvitz Brain Sciences Centre, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation to treat disorders of consciousness: Protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Int J Clin Health Psychol 2023; 23:100360. [PMCID: PMC9712558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijchp.2022.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are a challenging population prone to misdiagnosis with limited effective treatment options. Among neuromodulation techniques, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) may act through a bottom-up manner to modulate thalamo-cortical connectivity and promote patients’ recovery. In this clinical trial, we aim to (1) assess the therapeutic clinical effects of taVNS in patients with DoC; (2) investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the effects of its action; (3) assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure in this challenging population; (4) define the phenotype of clinical responders; and (5) assess the long-term efficacy of taVNS in terms of functional outcomes. Methods We will conduct a prospective parallel randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial investigating the effects of taVNS as a treatment in DoC patients. Forty-four patients in the early period post-injury (7 to 90 days following the injury) will randomly receive 5 days of either active bilateral vagal stimulation (45 min duration with 30s alternative episodes of active/rest periods; 3mA; 200-300μs current width, 25Hz.) or sham stimulation. Behavioural (i.e., Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, CRS-R) and neurophysiological (i.e., high-density electroencephalography, hd-EEG) measures will be collected at baseline and at the end of the 5-day treatment. Analyses will seek for changes in the CRS-R and the EEG metrics (e.g., alpha band power spectrum, functional connectivity) at the group and individual (i.e., responders) levels. Discussion These results will allow us to investigate the vagal afferent network and will contribute towards a definition of the role of taVNS for the treatment of patients with DoC. We aim to identify the neural correlates of its action and pave the way to novel targeted therapeutic strategies. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov n° NCT04065386.
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15
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Cheng L, Sun L, Xu L, Zhao F, Liu X, Wang A, Di H, Cong YS. Randomized trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on patients with disorders of consciousness: A study protocol. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1116115. [PMID: 37122310 PMCID: PMC10133680 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1116115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has recently been explored for the treatment of Disorders of consciousness (DoC) caused by traumatic brain injury. The evidence of taVNS during the consciousness recovery has been recently reported. However, the mechanism of taVNS in the recovery of consciousness is not clear. This study attempts to investigate the effectiveness of taVNS in DoC by means of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Electrophysiology (EEG), and Single-molecular array (Simoa). Methods/design Nighty patients with DoC acquired brain injury are randomized into one of three groups receiving sham taVNS or active taVNS (just left and left or right), respectively. Each of the three groups will experience a 40 days cycle (every 10 days for a small period, baseline 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, 5 days per week, then no intervention for 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, and 5 days per week). Primary outcomes (CRS-R) will be recorded five times during every period. Secondary outcomes will be recorded at the first and at the last period [MRI, EEG, Phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and Neurofilament light chain (NFL)]. We will take notes the adverse events and untoward effects during all cycles. Discussion Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a painless, non-invasive, easily applied, and effective therapy was applied for treatment of patients with depression and epilepsy several decades ago. Recent progress showed that taVNS has behavioral effects in the consciousness recovery. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the effects of taVNS on brain activity. Therefore, we will design a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of taVNS therapy for DoC, and explore neural anatomy correlated to taVNS during the consciousness recovery. Finally, this protocol also tests some biomarkers along with the recovery of consciousness. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045161. Registered on 9 April 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Qianjiang College, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingxiu Sun
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Falin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Di
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Haibo Di,
| | - Yu-Sheng Cong
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Sheng Cong,
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16
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Wei T, Ge X, Lu L, Li J, Xu P, Wu Q. Efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation on upper extremity motor function in patients with stroke: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. NeuroRehabilitation 2023; 53:253-267. [PMID: 37694313 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved paired vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for patients with moderate-to-severe upper extremity motor impairments following chronic ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE Previous meta-analyses have shown that VNS may impact stroke rehabilitation, but each has some limitations. METHODS PubMed, Ovid, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and WHO ICTRP databases were searched until July 14, 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We defined primary outcomes as Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Subgroup analyses included types of VNS, time since onset and long-term effects. Secondary outcomes included adverse events of VNS. RESULTS Eight RCTs involving 266 patients were analyzed, of which five used direct VNS and three transcutaneous auricular VNS. The results revealed that VNS enhanced upper extremity function via FMA-UE (SMD = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.48 to 0.99; P < 0.00001) and WMFT (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI:0.52 to 1.13; P < 0.00001) in comparison to the control group, but showed no significant change on long-term effects of FMA-UE (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: - 0.06 to 1.44; P = 0.07). There was no difference in adverse events between the VNS and control groups (RR = 1.16; 95% CI: 0.46 to 2.92; P = 0.74). CONCLUSION For stroke victims with upper limb disabilities, VNS paired with rehabilitation was significantly safe and effective. More high-quality multicentric RCTs are needed to validate this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyang Ge
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingfeng Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Panpan Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinfeng Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu, China
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Jang SH, Cho MJ. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in disorders of consciousness: A mini-narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31808. [PMID: 36550876 PMCID: PMC9771208 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this mini review, 6 studies that investigated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) were reviewed. Generally, the application of taVNS in patients with DOC appears to be effective (positive results in 5 of 6 studies) and safe. Furthermore, 4 studies that evaluated changes in the brain following taVNS reported positive results (2 studies, functional magnetic resonance imaging and 2 studies, electroencephalography). Based on our review of the 6 studies, we believe that research and clinical application of taVNS in DOC are in the initial stages and have the following limitations. First, there is a shortage of studies on this topic, with only 6 studies, 2 of which were case reports. Second, 5 studies were performed without control or sham groups. Third, there was no standardization of treatment schedules and electrical stimulation parameters. Therefore, further studies to overcome the above limitations should be encouraged; further original studies involving a larger number of patients in the control or sham groups are needed. However, studies on the optimal conditions (treatment schedule and electrical stimulation parameters) for taVNS in patients with DOC are necessary. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies should be undertaken to elucidate the neurological mechanisms for the recovery of impaired consciousness in DOC and the lasting effects of taVNS on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ho Jang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jye Cho
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Min Jye Cho, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyung dong, Namgu, Daegu 705-717, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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Zhang H, Guo Z, Qu Y, Zhao Y, Yang Y, Du J, Yang C. Cognitive function and brain activation before and after transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation in healthy adults: A concurrent tcVNS-fMRI study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1003411. [PMID: 36438376 PMCID: PMC9691850 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1003411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, which involves the application of electrical currents to the cervical (tcVNS) or auricular (taVNS) branches of the vagus nerve, may be a potential treatment for improving cognitive dysfunction. taVNS may improve cognitive performance in healthy adults, and fewer studies have been performed on the effects of tcVNS on cognition in healthy subjects. We conducted a randomized, single-blind, crossover-controlled trial to investigate the effects of tcVNS stimulation on cognitive function and neural activity in the brains of healthy adults. This study provides support for further tcVNS studies for the treatment of cognitive impairment. Twenty-one participants were randomly divided into two groups, A and B. Group A received tcVNS first and then sham-tcVNS, while group B received the intervention in the reverse order, receiving sham stimulation first and then true stimulation. All subjects were required to perform cognitive function tests before and after receiving intervention, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was performed concurrently during the intervention. We hypothesized that tcVNS would have an effect on the cognitive performance of the subjects and alter the neural activity of the brain. The present study showed that tcVNS had beneficial effects on cognitive performance, mainly improving memory and language skills and attention. tcVNS intervention produced significant spontaneous neural activity in the calcarine gyrus, fusiform gyrus, lingual gyrus, and parahippocampal gyrus of the brain. Future tcVNS/fMRI trials will need to explore the effects of changes in stimulus parameters on the neural activity response of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- School of Rehabilitation, West China Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiwei Guo
- Brain Function Rehabilitation and Development Institute, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Rehabilitation, West China Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanchong Central Hospital, The Second Clinical Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chunlan Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- School of Rehabilitation, West China Medical College, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Zhang H, Li CL, Qu Y, Yang YX, Du J, Zhao Y. Effects and neuroprotective mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive impairment with traumatic brain injury in animal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:963334. [PMID: 36237612 PMCID: PMC9551312 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.963334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive impairment is the main clinical feature after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is usually characterized by attention deficits, memory loss, and decreased executive function. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been reported to show potential improvement in the cognition level after traumatic brain injury in clinical and preclinical studies. However, this topic has not yet been systematically reviewed in published literature. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of VNS on cognitive function in animal models of TBI and their underlying mechanisms. Methods We performed a literature search on PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library from inception to December 2021 to identify studies describing the effects of VNS on animal models of TBI. Results Overall, nine studies were identified in animal models (36 mice, 268 rats, and 27 rabbits). An analysis of these studies showed that VNS can improve the performance of TBI animals in behavioral tests (beam walk test: SMD: 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.66, 6.23; p < 0.00001) and locomotor placing tests (SMD: -2.39; 95% CI: -4.07, -0.71; p = 0.005), whereas it reduced brain edema (SMD: -1.58; 95% CI: -2.85, -0.31; p = 0. 01) and decrease TNF-α (SMD: -3.49; 95% CI: -5.78, -1.2; p = 0.003) and IL-1β (SMD: -2.84; 95% CI: -3.96, -1.71; p < 0.00001) expression level in the brain tissue. However, the checklist for SYRCLE showed a moderate risk of bias (quality score between 30% and 60%), mainly because of the lack of sample size calculation, random assignment, and blinded assessment. Conclusion The present review showed that VNS can effectively promote cognitive impairment and neuropathology in animal models of TBI. We hope that the results of this systematic review can be applied to improve the methodological quality of animal experiments on TBI, which will provide more important and conclusive evidence on the clinical value of VNS. To further confirm these results, there is a need for high-quality TBI animal studies with sufficient sample size and a more comprehensive outcome evaluation. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021290797, identifier: CRD42021290797.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chun-liu Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Yun Qu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-xuan Yang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong Central Hospital, Nanchong, China
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Chen Y, Wang L, You W, Huang F, Jiang Y, Sun L, Wang S, Liu S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes consciousness, cognitive function, and prognosis recovery in patients following traumatic brain injury through various pathways. Front Neurol 2022; 13:929386. [PMID: 36034283 PMCID: PMC9402226 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.929386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical curative effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment and its mechanism in improving dysfunction following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods Patients were enrolled into control and HBO groups. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) scores were used to measure consciousness; the Rancho Los Amigos scale-revised (RLAS-R) score was used to assess cognitive impairment; the Stockholm computed tomography (CT) score, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG), and biomarkers, including neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100 calcium-binding protein beta (S100β), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), were used to assess TBI severity. The patients were followed up 6 months after discharge and assessed with the Glasgow outcome scale-extended (GOSE), functional independence measure (FIM), and the disability rating scale (DRS). Results The CRS-R scores were higher in the HBO group than the control group at 10 days after treatment. The RLAS-R scores were higher in the HBO group than the control group at 10 and 20 days after treatment. The Stockholm CT scores were significantly lower in the HBO group than the control group at 10 days after treatment. HBO depressed the (δ + θ)/(α + β) ratio (DTABR) of EEG, with lower δ band relative power and higher α band relative power than those in the control group. At 20 days after treatment, the expression of NSE, S100β, and GFAP in the HBO group was lower than that in controls, whereas the expression of BDNF, NGF, and VEGF in the HBO group was higher than that in controls. Six months after discharge, the HBO group had lower DRS scores and higher FIM and GOSE scores than the control group significantly. Conclusions HBO may be an effective treatment for patients with TBI to improve consciousness, cognitive function and prognosis through decreasing TBI-induced hematoma volumes, promoting the recovery of EEG rhythm, and modulating the expression of serum NSE, S100β, GFAP, BDNF, NGF, and VEGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nantong First People's Hospital, Nantong, China
| | - Wenjun You
- Department of Geriatrics, Second Peoples Hospital of Nantong, Affiliated of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Fei Huang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nantong Health College of Jiangsu Province, Nantong, China
| | - Yingzi Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Siye Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Su Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- *Correspondence: Su Liu
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21
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Molina Pérez A. Brain death debates: from bioethics to philosophy of science. F1000Res 2022; 11:195. [PMID: 35844817 PMCID: PMC9253658 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.109184.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
50 years after its introduction, brain death remains controversial among scholars. The debates focus on one question: is brain death a good criterion for determining death? This question has been answered from various perspectives: medical, metaphysical, ethical, and legal or political. Most authors either defend the criterion as it is, propose some minor or major revisions, or advocate abandoning it and finding better solutions to the problems that brain death was intended to solve when it was introduced. Here I plead for a different approach that has been overlooked in the literature: the philosophy of science approach. Some scholars claim that human death is a matter of fact, a biological phenomenon whose occurrence can be determined empirically, based on science. We should take this claim seriously, whether we agree with it or not. The question is: how do we know that human death is a scientific matter of fact? Taking the philosophy of science approach means, among other things, examining how the determination of human death became an object of scientific inquiry, exploring the nature of the brain death criterion itself, and analysing the meaning of its core concepts such as “irreversibility” and “functions”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Molina Pérez
- Institute for Advanced Social Studies, Spanish National Research Council (IESA–CSIC), Cordoba, 14004, Spain
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22
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Barra A, Monti M, Thibaut A. Noninvasive Brain Stimulation Therapies to Promote Recovery of Consciousness: Where We Are and Where We Should Go. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:348-362. [PMID: 36100229 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic options for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) are still underexplored. Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques modulate neural activity of targeted brain areas and hold promise for the treatment of patients with DoC. In this review, we provide a summary of published research using NIBS as therapeutic intervention for DoC patients, with a focus on (but not limited to) randomized controlled trials (RCT). We aim to identify current challenges and knowledge gaps specific to NIBS research in DoC. Furthermore, we propose possible solutions and perspectives for this field. Thus far, the most studied technique remains transcranial electrical stimulation; however, its effect remains moderate. The identified key points that NIBS researchers should focus on in future studies are (1) the lack of large-scale RCTs; (2) the importance of identifying the endotypes of responders; and (3) the optimization of stimulation parameters to maximize the benefits of NIBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Barra
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness - GIGA Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Monti
- Department of Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Department of Neurosurgery, UCLA Brain Injury Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness - GIGA Research, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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23
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Osińska A, Rynkiewicz A, Binder M, Komendziński T, Borowicz A, Leszczyński A. Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Treatment of Disorders of Consciousness – Longitudinal Case Study. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:834507. [PMID: 35600632 PMCID: PMC9120963 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.834507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulatory electroceuticals such as vagus nerve stimulation have been recently gaining traction as potential rehabilitation tools for disorders of consciousness (DoC). We present a longitudinal case study of non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in a patient diagnosed with chronic unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (previously known as vegetative state). Over a period of 6 months we applied taVNS daily and regularly evaluated the patient’s behavioral outcomes using Coma Recovery Scale – Revised. We also took electrophysiological measures: resting state electroencephalography (EEG), heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). All these methods revealed signs of improvement in the patient’s condition. The total CRS-R scores fluctuated but rose from 4 and 6 at initial stages to the heights of 12 and 13 in the 3rd and 5th month, which would warrant a change in diagnosis to a Minimally Conscious State. Scores obtained in a 2 months follow-up period, though, suggest this may not have been a lasting improvement. Behavioral signs of recovery are triangulated by EEG frequency spectrum profiles with re-emergence of a second oscillatory peak in the alpha range, which has been shown to characterize aware people. However, sustained spontaneous theta oscillations did not predictably diminish, which most likely reflects structural brain damage. ECG measures revealed a steady decrease in pre-stimulation HR combined with an increase in HRV-HR. This suggests a gradual withdrawal of sympathetic and an increase in parasympathetic control of the heart, which the previous literature has also linked with DoC improvements. Together, this study suggests that taVNS stimulation holds promise as a DoC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albertyna Osińska
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Albertyna Osińska,
| | - Andrzej Rynkiewicz
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Andrzej Rynkiewicz,
| | - Marek Binder
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Komendziński
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Humanities, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Anna Borowicz
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Humanities, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Antoni Leszczyński
- Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Humanities, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
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24
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Wang Y, Li L, Li S, Fang J, Zhang J, Wang J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, He J, Zhang Y, Rong P. Toward Diverse or Standardized: A Systematic Review Identifying Transcutaneous Stimulation of Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve in Nomenclature. Neuromodulation 2022; 25:366-379. [PMID: 35396069 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After 20 years of development, there is confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN). We performed a systematic review of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in nomenclature. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic search of the literature was carried out, using the bibliographic search engine PubMed. The search covered articles published up until June 11, 2020. We recorded the full nomenclature and abbreviated nomenclature same or similar to transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN in the selected eligible studies, as well as the time and author information of this nomenclature. RESULTS From 261 studies, 67 full nomenclatures and 27 abbreviated nomenclatures were finally screened out, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS are the most common nomenclature, accounting for 38.38% and 42.06%, respectively. In a total of 97 combinations of full nomenclatures and abbreviations, the most commonly used nomenclature for the combination of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and tVNS, accounting for 30.28%. Interestingly, the combination of full nomenclatures and abbreviations is not always a one-to-one relationship, there are ten abbreviated nomenclatures corresponding to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, and five full nomenclatures corresponding to tVNS. In addition, based on the analysis of the usage habits of nomenclature in 21 teams, it is found that only three teams have fixed habits, while other different teams or the same team do not always use the same nomenclature in their paper. CONCLUSIONS The phenomenon of confusion in the nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN is obvious and shows a trend of diversity. The nomenclature of transcutaneous stimulation of ABVN needs to become more standardized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junying Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zixuan Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiakai He
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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25
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Treatment of Psychiatric Problems After Traumatic Brain Injury. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:508-521. [PMID: 34511181 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause significant and often chronic impairment in functioning and quality of life; however, their phenomenological and mechanistic complexities continue to present significant treatment challenges. The clinical presentation is often an amalgam of syndromes and co-occurring symptoms that require a highly nuanced and systematic approach to treatment. Although few randomized controlled trials have tested treatments for psychiatric problems after TBI and the synthesis of results continues to be compromised by the heterogeneity of study populations, small samples, and differing inclusion criteria and outcome measures, an increasing body of literature supports evidence-based treatment strategies. We provide a narrative review of pharmacological, psychoeducational/behavioral, and neuromodulation treatments for psychiatric conditions in adults with TBI and discuss known or postulated mechanisms of action for these treatment approaches. Where data are available, we focus on randomized controlled trials and large case series in which a psychiatric condition provides both a selection criterion and a primary or secondary outcome. We conclude by proposing directions for future research, particularly the need for novel neuropharmacological, behavioral, and neurophysiological studies and pragmatic trials of multicomponent and adaptive models that will increase understanding of the mechanisms underlying post-TBI psychiatric disorders and accelerate dissemination and implementation of effective person-centered care.
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26
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Neuromodulation Treatments for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-concussive Symptoms. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2022; 22:171-181. [PMID: 35175543 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-022-01183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can result in prolonged post-concussive symptoms (e.g., depression, headaches, cognitive impairment) that are debilitating and difficult to treat. This article reviews recent research on neuromodulation for mTBI. RECENT FINDINGS Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is the most studied neuromodulation approach for mTBI (four studies for depression, four for headache, one for cognitive impairment, and two for global post-concussive symptoms) with promising results for post-concussive depression and headache. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has also been evaluated (one study for post-traumatic headache, and three for cognitive impairment), with more mixed results overall. TMS appears to be a potentially promising neuromodulation treatment strategy for post-concussive symptoms; however, integration into clinical practice will require larger sham-controlled randomized trials with longer and more consistent follow-up periods. Future studies should also explore new stimulation protocols, personalized approaches, and the role of placebo effects.
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27
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Wang L, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zhang J, Li S, Wu M, Li L, Rong P. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulators: a review of past, present and future devices. Expert Rev Med Devices 2021; 19:43-61. [PMID: 34937487 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2022.2020095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As an emerging neuromodulation therapy, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been proven to be safe and effective for epilepsy, major depressive disorders, insomnia, glucose metabolic disorders, pain, stroke, post stroke rehabilitation, anxiety, fear, cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disorders, tinnitus, Prader-Willi Syndrome and COVID-19. AREAS COVERED Although the history of taVNS is only two decades, the devices carrying taVNS technique have been constantly updated. Especially in recent years, the development of taVNS devices has presented a new trend. To conclude, the development of taVNS devices has entered a new era, thus the update speed and quality of taVNS devices will be considerably improved in the future. This article reviewed the history and classification of taVNS devices. EXPERT OPINION The correlation between the effectiveness and stimulation parameters from taVNS devices still remains unclear. There is a lack of standard or harmonization among different taVNS devices. Strategies, including further comparative research and establishment of standard, have been recommended in this article to promote the future development of taVNS devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shaoyuan Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Mozheng Wu
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Liang Li
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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28
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Potential roles of vagus nerve stimulation on traumatic brain injury: Evidence from in vivo and clinical studies. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113887. [PMID: 34624329 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The consequences of TBI can be divided into two stages: 1) the immediate neuronal destruction during the initial trauma, resulting in the primary brain injury and pathophysiologic sequelae, and 2) the secondary brain injury, encompassing mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, cellular excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cortical edema, resulting in increased intracranial pressure (ICP) with exacerbated brain damage. Although the pathophysiology in TBI has been thoroughly investigated, the effectivity of therapeutic approaches for TBI is still lacking. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been used for treating medical refractory epilepsy and chronic drug-resistant depression. Several previous studies also demonstrated that VNS has beneficial effects for TBI in animal models and patients. The neuroprotective effects of VNS on TBI are possibly explained through several mechanisms, including a noradrenergic mechanism, anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of neurotransmitters, and attenuation of blood brain barrier breakdown, and brain edema. The aims of this review are to summarize and discuss the current evidence pertinent to the effect of VNS on both primary and secondary brain injury following TBI from both in vivo and clinical studies.
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29
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Treating Traumatic Brain Injuries with Electroceuticals: Implications for the Neuroanatomy of Consciousness. NEUROSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci2030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of loss of consciousness, long-term disability, and death in children and young adults (age 1 to 44). Currently, there are no United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological treatments for post-TBI regeneration and recovery, particularly related to permanent disability and level of consciousness. In some cases, long-term disorders of consciousness (DoC) exist, including the vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) characterized by the exhibition of reflexive behaviors only or a minimally conscious state (MCS) with few purposeful movements and reflexive behaviors. Electroceuticals, including non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) have proved efficacious in some patients with TBI and DoC. In this review, we examine how electroceuticals have improved our understanding of the neuroanatomy of consciousness. However, the level of improvements in general arousal or basic bodily and visual pursuit that constitute clinically meaningful recovery on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) remain undefined. Nevertheless, these advancements demonstrate the importance of the vagal nerve, thalamus, reticular activating system, and cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical loop in the process of consciousness recovery.
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30
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Kumaria A, Basu S, Tolias CM. Vagus nerve stimulation in ischaemic stroke: further possibilities. Br J Neurosurg 2021; 36:425-426. [PMID: 34281451 DOI: 10.1080/02688697.2021.1950633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Kumaria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Surajit Basu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.,School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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31
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Yu Y, Yang Y, Gan S, Guo S, Fang J, Wang S, Tang C, Bai L, He J, Rong P. Cerebral Hemodynamic Correlates of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Consciousness Restoration: An Open-Label Pilot Study. Front Neurol 2021; 12:684791. [PMID: 34335449 PMCID: PMC8319239 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.684791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to preliminarily illustrate the cerebral hemodynamic correlates of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) in consciousness restoration. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) was adopted with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes before and after taVNS in 10 qualified patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Before taVNS, five patients responded to auditory stimuli (RtAS), and five did not respond to auditory stimuli (nRtAS). The RtAS DOC patients obtained favorable prognoses after the 4-week taVNS treatment, whereas the nRtAS ones did not. Simultaneously, taVNS increased CBF of multiple brain regions in the RtAS DOC patients, but hardly in the nRtAS ones. In conclusion, the preserved auditory function might be the prior key factor of the taVNS responders in DOC patients, and taVNS might alleviate RtAS DOC by activating the salience network, the limbic system, and the interoceptive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutian Yu
- Acupuncture Department, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuoqiu Gan
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shengnan Guo
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiliang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shouyan Wang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunzhi Tang
- Clinical Medical College of Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijun Bai
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianghong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Therapies to Restore Consciousness in Patients with Severe Brain Injuries: A Gap Analysis and Future Directions. Neurocrit Care 2021; 35:68-85. [PMID: 34236624 PMCID: PMC8266715 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-021-01227-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objective For patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) and their families, the search for new therapies has been a source of hope and frustration. Almost all clinical trials in patients with DoC have been limited by small sample sizes, lack of placebo groups, and use of heterogeneous outcome measures. As a result, few therapies have strong evidence to support their use; amantadine is the only therapy recommended by current clinical guidelines, specifically for patients with DoC caused by severe traumatic brain injury. To foster and advance development of consciousness-promoting therapies for patients with DoC, the Curing Coma Campaign convened a Coma Science Work Group to perform a gap analysis. Methods We consider five classes of therapies: (1) pharmacologic; (2) electromagnetic; (3) mechanical; (4) sensory; and (5) regenerative. For each class of therapy, we summarize the state of the science, identify gaps in knowledge, and suggest future directions for therapy development. Results Knowledge gaps in all five therapeutic classes can be attributed to the lack of: (1) a unifying conceptual framework for evaluating therapeutic mechanisms of action; (2) large-scale randomized controlled trials; and (3) pharmacodynamic biomarkers that measure subclinical therapeutic effects in early-phase trials. To address these gaps, we propose a precision medicine approach in which clinical trials selectively enroll patients based upon their physiological receptivity to targeted therapies, and therapeutic effects are measured by complementary behavioral, neuroimaging, and electrophysiologic endpoints. Conclusions This personalized approach can be realized through rigorous clinical trial design and international collaboration, both of which will be essential for advancing the development of new therapies and ultimately improving the lives of patients with DoC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12028-021-01227-y.
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33
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Wang Y, Zhan G, Cai Z, Jiao B, Zhao Y, Li S, Luo A. Vagus nerve stimulation in brain diseases: Therapeutic applications and biological mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:37-53. [PMID: 33894241 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain diseases, including neurodegenerative, cerebrovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases, have posed a deleterious threat to human health and brought a great burden to society and the healthcare system. With the development of medical technology, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an alternative treatment for refractory epilepsy, refractory depression, cluster headaches, and migraines. Furthermore, current evidence showed promising results towards the treatment of more brain diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. Nonetheless, the biological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of VNS in brain diseases remain only partially elucidated. This review aims to delve into the relevant preclinical and clinical studies and update the progress of VNS applications and its potential mechanisms underlying the biological effects in brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ziwen Cai
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Bo Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
| | - Ailin Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Li Y, He J, Yang B, Zhang H, Yang Z, Fu J, Huang L, Chen H, Yang X, Bao Y. Clinical diagnosis guidelines and neurorestorative treatment for chronic disorders of consciousness (2021 China version). JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2021.9040006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC) include the vegetative state and the minimally consciousness state. The DOC diagnosis mainly relies on the evaluation of clinical behavioral scales, electrophysiological testing, and neuroimaging examinations. No specifically effective neurorestorative methods for chronic DOC currently exist. Any valuable exploration therapies of being able to repair functions and/or structures in the consciousness loop (e.g., drugs, hyperbaric medicines, noninvasive neurostimulation, sensory and environmental stimulation, invasive neuromodulation therapy, and cell transplantation) may become effective neurorestorative strategies for chronic DOC. In the viewpoint of Neurorestoratology, this guideline proposes the diagnostic and neurorestorative therapeutic suggestions and future exploration direction for this disease following the review of the existing treatment exploration achievements for chronic DOC.
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Kumaria A, Tolias CM. Scope for Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuromodulation 2020; 24:1135-1136. [PMID: 33020980 DOI: 10.1111/ner.13283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Kumaria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
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Hudson T. Functional Medicine: A View from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 2020; 31:527-540. [PMID: 32981576 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Using the functional medicine rubric in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), a physiatrist can capitalize on addressing the root causes and downstream effects in patients with chronic diseases. Similar to the International Classification of Function model in rehabilitation, the functional medicine model uses biopsychosocial understanding with a systems biology approach to find fulcrum points to create the biggest impact on health care. Given the position of rehabilitation medicine with the type and location of patients, both functional medicine and PM&R would benefit from a mutual partnership.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Hudson
- Veterans Integrative Pain Center, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Briand MM, Gosseries O, Staumont B, Laureys S, Thibaut A. Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Disorders of Consciousness: A Hypothesis for Mechanisms of Action. Front Neurol 2020; 11:933. [PMID: 32982941 PMCID: PMC7477388 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness (DoC) are the hallmark of severe acquired brain injuries characterized by abnormal activity in important brain areas and disruption within and between brain networks. As DoC's therapeutic arsenal is limited, new potential therapies such as transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) have recently been explored. The potential of taVNS in the process of consciousness recovery has been highlighted in recent studies with DoC patients. However, it is not clear how taVNS plays a role in the recovery of consciousness. In this article, we first describe the neural correlates of consciousness, the vagus nerve anatomy and functions, along with the results of functional magnetic resonance imaging studies using taVNS. Based on consciousness recovery and taVNS mechanisms, we propose the Vagal Cortical Pathways model. This model highlights four consecutive pathways (A. Lower brainstem activation, B. Upper brainstem activation, C. Norepinephrine pathway, and D. Serotonin pathway) likely to have an impact on patients with a brain injury and DoC. Additionally, we suggest six different mechanisms of action: (1) Activation of the ascending reticular activating system; (2) Activation of the thalamus; (3) Re-establishment of the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical loop; (4) Promotion of negative connectivity between external and default mode networks by the activation of the salience network; (5) Increase in activity and connectivity within the external network through the norepinephrine pathway; and (6) Increase in activity within the default mode network through the serotonin pathway. This model aims to explain the potential therapeutic effects that taVNS has on brain activity in the process of consciousness recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Michele Briand
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Institut de Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Québec, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Bernard Staumont
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau2, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Xiang XJ, Sun LZ, Xu CB, Xie Y, Pan MY, Ran J, Hu Y, Nong BX, Shen Q, Huang H, Huang SH, Yu YZ. The clinical effect of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of patients with a minimally conscious state. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2020.9040016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has recently been used in neurorehabilitation and the recovery of consciousness based on its effects on cortical plasticity. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of VNS on patients with a minimally conscious state (MCS). Methods: All patients included in the study were assessed more than 5 months after injury and were receiving regular rehabilitation at our hospital from August 2018 to October 2019. Ten patients diagnosed with MCS by Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) test who underwent VNS surgery were enrolled. The scores on CRS-R evaluation at baseline (before VNS implantation) and 1, 3, and 6 months after VNS treatment were recorded. The stimulation parameters were chosen according to a previous study. All clinical rehabilitation protocols remained unchanged during the study. Furthermore, safety was assessed by analyzing treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results: No significant improvement in the total CRS-R scores at the end of the 1-month follow-up was observed (p > 0.05). After 3 months of stimulation, a significant difference (p = 0.0078) was observed in the total CRS-R scores compared with the baseline. After 6 months of VNS treatment, CRS-R assessments showed a continuous significant improvement (p = 0.0039); one patient emerged from the MCS and recovered functional communication and object use. Interestingly, one item of CRS-R scores on visual domain was sensitive to VNS treatment (p = 0.0039). Furthermore, no serious adverse event occurred throughout the study. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that VNS is a safe and effective tool for consciousness recovery in patients with MCS.
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