Neurophysiologic Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) via Electrical Stimulation of the Tragus: A Concurrent taVNS/fMRI Study and Review.

(Appeared originally in Brain Stimulation 2018; 11:492-500) Reprinted with permission from Elsevier.

Short trains of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) have parameter-specific effects on heart rate.

Background: Optimal parameters of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) are still undetermined. Given the vagus nerve's role in regulating heart rate (HR), it is important to determine safety and HR effects of various taVNS parameters.

Objective: We conducted two sequential trials to systematically test the effects of various taVNS parameters on HR.

Neurophysiologic effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) via electrical stimulation of the tragus: A concurrent taVNS/fMRI study and review.

Background: Electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN) via transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) may influence afferent vagal networks. There have been 5 prior taVNS/fMRI studies, with inconsistent findings due to variability in stimulation targets and parameters.

Objective: We developed a taVNS/fMRI system to enable concurrent electrical stimulation and fMRI acquisition to compare the effects of taVNS in relation to control stimulation.