Vagus Stimulation for Bulimia
Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Based on the findings in Faris’s last study that the vagus nerve does play some role in the perpetuation of bulimia nervosa and that treatment directed at the vagus nerve seems to lead to a decrease in bulimic behaviors, Faris is now trying to see if using a vagus nerve stimulator can, in effect, retrain the vagus nerve to act properly.
(from http://www.rch.org.au/cep/treatments/index.cfm?doc_id=3245)
The stimulator is about the same size as a silver dollar and is placed surgically below the clavicle. A small wire from the generator (stimulator) is threaded from the generator and wrapped around the vagus nerve on the left side of the neck. The end of the wire that is wrapped around the vagus nerve is has small electrodes that send pulses directly to the nerve. The generator then acts as a sort of pacemaker that regulates the vagus nerve activity. The surgery is outpatient and it takes about ten hours, however, patients involved in the study are kept overnight
(Image from http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=7472)
After about two weeks of recovery, the patients and researchers spend two weeks adjusting the stimulation of the generator so that it is comfortable and effective for patients. The patient then spends the next eight weeks with constant stimulation that was found to be effective during the adjustment period. Simulation occurs every five minutes with thirty seconds of pulsing (electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve) and then a rest period of five minutes. If the patient wants to turn off the stimulator, they can run a magnet over the generator. However, if they feel an urge to binge or purge they can again place a magnet over the generator, which will then deliver an extra pulse to the vagus nerve. This is empowering to the patient because they are able to feel like they have control over their behavior. The purpose of this study is an attempt to retrain the vagus nerve so that it may work properly and the stimulator/ generator does this by regulating the activity of the vagus. This procedure seems to be the most effective treatment option to date that targets the vagus nerve because it can allow for direct and consistent vagal stimulation. The current findings of this research has yet to be published, but the prospects of this new treatment are hopeful in decreasing or eliminating bulimic behaviors/ episodes.
(image from http://www.emedicine.com/neuro/topic/599.htm)
Subsections:
Stimulation of the Vagus Nerve in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
Rationale Behind Research Involving the Vagus Nerve in the Treatment of Bulimia Nervosa
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (top of this page)
