Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): How It Works, Benefits, and Risks


Vagus nerve stimulation (vagus nerve stimulation) is a neuromodulation therapy that delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to influence brain networks involved in mood, seizure control, and autonomic regulation. There are invasive VNS devices implanted under the skin with a lead wrapped around the left vagus nerve in the neck, and non-invasive transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) devices that stimulate the ear or neck without surgery. The therapy can be used on its own or as an add-on when other treatments have not provided adequate relief. In addition, vagus nerve stimulation is being studied for effects on gut function and inflammation via the gut-brain axis, which can be relevant for people looking to optimize gut health. Potential benefits vary by condition. For epilepsy, many patients experience reduced seizure frequency; for treatment-resistant depression, some show meaningful mood improvements; tVNS also has potential in managing anxiety, migraines, and other disorders, though evidence is still evolving. Benefits typically emerge after weeks to months and may require ongoing device adjustments by a clinician. Vagus nerve stimulation is usually considered after other options have been explored, and not everyone is a candidate. If you’re considering this therapy, discuss realistic expectations, insurance coverage, and the need for regular follow-up with your neurologist or psychiatrist. Risks and side effects depend on the type of VNS. With implanted devices, common side effects include hoarseness or voice changes, throat tingling, coughing, and brief breathing difficulty during stimulation. Less common risks include infection at the implant site, nerve irritation, or rare cardiac effects; there is also the need for periodic battery replacement. Non-invasive tVNS tends to produce milder effects, such as skin irritation at the stimulation site or mild headaches. MRI compatibility and other contraindications must be evaluated, and a healthcare professional can help determine if vagus nerve stimulation is appropriate for you and what to expect during and after treatment. If you’re exploring gut health alongside neuromodulation strategies like vagus nerve stimulation, there are tools that help you understand and optimize your microbiome. InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System that partners and brands can use to power their gut microbiome testing products. Its modular platform includes a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0-100) based on an exclusive IP deal with EAFIT University in Colombia, rich data on bacteria abundances, and labeled bacterial functions to show how you compare against a healthy cohort. Other features include Target Group analysis for topics such as Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, and Skin & Hair Health, plus personalized nutrition and probiotic/prebiotic advice tailored to your unique gut microbiome. InnerBuddies serves both B2B partners and direct-to-consumer customers with gut test solutions. To learn more, visit the InnerBuddies product page, subscription page, and B2B page: InnerBuddies product page, InnerBuddies subscription page, and InnerBuddies B2B page.