Recently, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has emerged as a topic of interest among researchers to promote functional recovery across a range of neurological disorders. While there are many methods of neuromodulation, interest in VNS can be attributed to the ability to deliver stimulation using minimally-invasive or non-invasive techniques, combined with evidence that VNS may be effective across a wide range of disorders. Past research indicates that temporally pairing VNS with rehabilitative exercises may promote functional recovery in people with stroke, traumatic brain injury, or spinal cord injury. VNS may also reduce motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, promote relief in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder, or reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Recent research also indicates that VNS may enhance learning and memory.

While these previous studies are evocative, clinical trials are only beginning to investigate whether VNS will effectively translate from animal models into the clinic and be able to beneficially affect peoples’ quality of life. It also remains to be seen under what conditions VNS is effective, what the appropriate stimulation parameters are, what differences there are in the efficacy of minimally-invasive vs non-invasive techniques, and how closed-loop feedback can be employed to more effectively determine when stimulation should occur. In order for any of these potential therapies to be successful, however, we must still understand how VNS promotes function by exploring its mechanisms.

The aim of this Research Topic is to bring to the attention of the scientific community all issues related to “how” VNS may promote function in different disease conditions and under “what circumstances” VNS may be an effective therapeutic tool. It is also important to understand how VNS can be combined with other neuroprostheses and neuromodulatory devices to promote greater overall outcomes. Studies using either non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods of VNS are applicable to this Research Topic.

Topics covered belong to, but are not limited to, the following list:

• Exploring recruitment of differing fiber types under various stimulation parameters.
• Studying the relationship between stimulation timing and behavior.
• Investigating how different methods of VNS or stimulation parameters influence behavioral outcomes.
• Determining mechanisms of action regarding how VNS promotes recovery of behavioral function in various disease conditions.
• Exploring the effects of VNS on learning and memory.
• Examine physical characteristics of electrodes used in VNS and how electrode design influences stimulation response, neuroplasticity, and behavioral outcomes.
• Investigate various methods of performing closed-loop VNS and compare and contrast effectiveness with open-loop VNS paradigms.

Type of manuscripts accepted: Original Research, Systematic Review, Review (and mini Review), Perspective, Clinical Trial, Case Report, Brief Research Report.

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Frontiers in Neuroscience

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