About this Research Topic
Ear stimulation has been received growing attention for the last two decades because it is considered as a non-invasive and affordable surrogate for invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Invasive VNS proved to be effective for some refractory medical conditions like epilepsy or depression. But its use is hampered by its cost, availability and complications.
Because parts of the ear like the cymba conchae or the tragus receive afferences from a branch of the vagus nerve, namely the auricular branch of the VN, it was hypothesized that transcutaneous electrical stimulation of these parts could have the same therapeutic effect as invasive VNS. That was proven true for epilepsy and depression, but also for other diseases like migraine, tinnitus or pain.
But is VNS the key?
First, non-invasive VNS (niVNS) elicits activation of numerous brain structures that are remote from classical parasympathetic pathways. For example, stimulation of the tragus, which is innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, elicits bilateral activation of the anterior cingulum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as limbic areas.
Second, stimulation of ear parts that are not innervated by the vagus nerve have demonstrated activation of areas activated by niVNS. For example, electrical stimulation of the earlobe deactivates limbic areas.
Third, data from traditional Western and Eastern medicine like ear cauterization, auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture have proved limited but undeniable clinical efficacy for various medical conditions.
Why this research topic ?
The framework of this research topic is to expand the concept of niVNS by merging data from vagus, trigeminal or great occipital nerve stimulation and from traditional medicine. The collection aims to delineate the physiopathological pathways and the clinical interest of auricular neuromodulation. We welcome original research, review articles or perspective articles.
Because parts of the ear like the cymba conchae or the tragus receive afferences from a branch of the vagus nerve, namely the auricular branch of the VN, it was hypothesized that transcutaneous electrical stimulation of these parts could have the same therapeutic effect as invasive VNS. That was proven true for epilepsy and depression, but also for other diseases like migraine, tinnitus or pain.
But is VNS the key?
First, non-invasive VNS (niVNS) elicits activation of numerous brain structures that are remote from classical parasympathetic pathways. For example, stimulation of the tragus, which is innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, elicits bilateral activation of the anterior cingulum and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, as well as limbic areas.
Second, stimulation of ear parts that are not innervated by the vagus nerve have demonstrated activation of areas activated by niVNS. For example, electrical stimulation of the earlobe deactivates limbic areas.
Third, data from traditional Western and Eastern medicine like ear cauterization, auriculotherapy or ear acupuncture have proved limited but undeniable clinical efficacy for various medical conditions.
Why this research topic ?
The framework of this research topic is to expand the concept of niVNS by merging data from vagus, trigeminal or great occipital nerve stimulation and from traditional medicine. The collection aims to delineate the physiopathological pathways and the clinical interest of auricular neuromodulation. We welcome original research, review articles or perspective articles.
Keywords: non invasive vagus nerve stimulation, auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, transtuaneous trigeminal stimulation, superficial cervical plexus, auricular acupuncture, auriculotherapy
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