Stimulating the vagus nerve may reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis

An implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve reduced symptoms of multiple sclerosis in rats as effectively as standard medications

By Grace Wade

Stimulating the vagus nerve may reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis and potentially delay the disease’s progression.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system damages the protective covering of nerve cells, called myelin sheaths, leading to symptoms such as muscle stiffness and difficulty walking. Previous research has shown that stimulating the vagus nerve, which transmits signals between the brain and organs, can …