Practical Issues and Concepts in Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Nursing Review

Neurophysiology is the branch of physiology concerned with understanding the function of neural systems. Neural engineering (also known as neuroengineering) is a discipline within biomedical engineering that uses engineering techniques to understand, repair, replace, enhance, or otherwise exploit the properties and functions of neural systems. In most cases neural engineering involves the development of an interface between electronic devices and living neural tissue. This review describes the origins of neural engineering, the explosive development of methods and devices commencing in the late 1950s, and the present-day devices that have resulted. The barriers to interfacing electronic devices with living neural tissues are many and varied, and consequently there have been numerous stops and starts along the way. Representative examples are discussed. None of this could have happened without a basic understanding of the relevant neurophysiology. I also consider examples of how neural engineering is repaying the debt to basic neurophysiology with new knowledge and insight.

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Vagus nerve stimulation therapy summary

Schachter¹

2002

Neurology

161

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With more than 16,000 patients implanted with the vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy system (Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, Texas), VNS therapy has assumed an increasingly important role in the treatment of medically refractory seizures since its approval 5 years ago by the United States FDA. This review discusses the clinical trials that provided evidence for the approval, long-term efficacy, efficacy in special populations and co-morbid conditions, and safety and tolerability. Additional studies are suggested to further explore the capabilities of VNS therapy.

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Practical Issues and Concepts in Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Nursing Review

Cited by 5 publications

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Psychosocial Issues in Dementia and Epilepsy

Psychosocial Issues in Dementia and Epilepsy

Neurophysiology and neural engineering: a review

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy summary

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