Central Effects of Cranial Nerve Stimulation

Gavriel D Kohlberg; Ravi N Samy

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2019.09.003

Central Effects of Cranial Nerve Stimulation

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2020 Feb;53(1):45-55. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.09.003. Epub 2019 Oct 21.

Authors

Gavriel D Kohlberg¹, Ravi N Samy²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Otology and Neurotology, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356161, Seattle, WA 98195 - 6161, USA.
² Division of Otology/Neurotology, Neurotology Fellowship, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Neurosensory Disorders Center at University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 213 Albert Sabin, Way, MSB 6009C, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0528, USA. Electronic address: ravi.samy@uc.edu.

PMID: 31648824
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.09.003

Abstract

The current literature on peripheral cranial nerve stimulation for the purpose of achieving therapeutic effects via altering brain activity is reviewed. Vagus nerve stimulation, which is approved for use in refractory epilepsy, is the most extensively studied cranial nerve stimulator that has direct impact on the central nervous system. Despite the recognized central effects of peripheral cranial nerve stimulation, the mechanism of action for all indications remains incompletely understood. Further research on both mechanisms and indications of central effects of cranial nerve stimulation has the potential to alleviate burden of disease in a large array of conditions.

Keywords: Central processing; Central reorganization; Cochlear implant; Cortical adaptation; Hearing loss; Vagal nerve stimulation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Central Nervous System / physiology*
Cranial Nerves / physiology*
Hearing Loss / therapy*
Humans
Implantable Neurostimulators*
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / instrumentation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation / methods*