Conditions

The tVNS device has regulatory approval for several conditions where vagus nerve stimulation can play a role. Each page below explains the evidence in plain language, what to expect from treatment, and who is and is not a good candidate.

If you are a clinician looking for the deeper clinical literature, the clinician zone has a parallel set of pages with study-level data, stimulation parameters, and effect sizes.

Epilepsy

For people whose seizures have not responded fully to medication. tVNS is used alongside existing anti-seizure drugs, never as a replacement. In the largest controlled trial, which used a different manufacturer's ear device, just under 45% of those who completed it achieved at least a 50% reduction in seizures, against around 17% on a low-dose control. Across trials the evidence is mixed and rated low certainty.

Read about tVNS for epilepsy

Depression

For people with major depression that has not responded well enough to antidepressant medication. tVNS engages the same neurotransmitter systems as conventional antidepressants, plus anti-inflammatory and neuroplasticity pathways. Response rates of 27% to 80% have been reported across 4 to 12 weeks of use.

Read about tVNS for depression

Chronic migraine

For people with chronic migraine (headaches on 15 or more days a month), particularly migraine with aura. Auricular stimulation has reduced headache days and intensity in trials, and the device does not contribute to medication overuse.

Read about tVNS for migraine

Prader-Willi syndrome

A rare genetic condition where the most distressing daily feature is often the temper outbursts. In the published study, four out of five adults achieved significant reductions in outburst frequency and severity. One of very few medical devices with a specific regulatory approval for PWS.

Read about tVNS for Prader-Willi syndrome

Not sure which applies to you?

If your condition is not listed here, or you are not sure whether tVNS is relevant, contact us. We will give you a straight answer, including whether we think tVNS is unlikely to help. We would rather you knew before you bought.

Contact Anatomical Concepts UK

For clinicians

This page is for information only. It is not medical advice. Any decision about tVNS should be made with your clinician, who knows your full medical history.