Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) is a non-surgical (non-invasive) adjunctive treatment method that acts on the nervous system. The procedure is performed without making any incisions in the body and does not require anesthesia.
In this method, the goal is to support the brain’s balancing and regulatory functions through low-level stimuli delivered via a special device placed on the ear. The stimuli are at a level that does not interfere with the person’s daily life and are generally perceived as a mild sensation during the procedure.
During tVNS treatment, the individual remains awake and actively maintains their daily awareness throughout the procedure. Sessions are usually completed in a short time and do not require rest or hospitalization afterward. This allows the individual to comfortably resume their daily life following the session.
tVNS is not considered a standalone treatment method. Following a detailed evaluation by a psychiatrist, it is considered as a supportive and complementary option to the current psychiatric treatment process. Which patients it is suitable for and how the treatment process will be planned must be determined by the physician.
What Is tVNS Used For in Psychiatry?
In psychiatry, tVNS is considered a non-surgical supportive method aimed at assisting the brain’s processes of coping with stress, regulating mood, and promoting relaxation.
In psychiatric conditions, individuals may occasionally experience intense stress, internal tension, emotional fluctuations, or mental fatigue. tVNS aims to contribute to the psychiatric treatment process by supporting the brain’s balancing mechanisms during these processes.
The primary objective of this method is:
- To support emotional balance,
- To help regulate stress and tension levels,
- To support the overall effectiveness of the psychiatric treatment process.
tVNS is not a substitute for medication or psychotherapy. If deemed appropriate by a psychiatrist, it is considered a complementary and supportive approach within the existing treatment plan. Which patients it is applied to and how the treatment process is planned must be evaluated by a specialist physician.
In Which Cases Can tVNS Be Used in Psychiatry?
In psychiatry, tVNS may be considered as a supportive approach in the following conditions following an evaluation by a specialist physician:
- Conditions accompanied by symptoms of depression In cases where low mood, loss of interest, and low energy are prominent, it may be considered to support the psychiatric treatment process.
- In complaints related to anxiety and stress: In cases where constant tension, restlessness, and a sense of mental burden are present, it may be considered as a supportive method.
- In psychiatric conditions accompanied by sleep-related issues: In cases where difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or a feeling of not being able to rest are prominent, it may be considered within the framework of clinical appropriateness.
- In cases where mood fluctuations are prominent: In situations where intense emotional ups and downs are experienced throughout the day, it can be added to the treatment plan as a supportive measure.
- In patients where non-pharmacological supportive methods are deemed appropriate within the psychiatric treatment plan, it can be considered as a complementary component of the current treatment process.
The goal of this method is not to eliminate symptoms on its own, but to support the individual’s daily functioning and contribute to the psychiatric treatment process. Decisions regarding which patients to treat and how to plan the treatment process must be made by a specialist physician.
How Is tVNS Administered?
tVNS is administered using a special device placed in the ear area. The stimuli delivered during the procedure are of low intensity and are perceived by most people as a mild sensation. No pain is felt during the procedure.
The application process generally proceeds as follows:
- No surgical procedure is required.
- No anesthesia is administered.
- The patient remains awake during the procedure.
- Sessions are usually short.
- It is possible to return to daily life after the procedure.
The tVNS procedure is planned in a clinical setting under the supervision of a specialist physician. Prior to the procedure, the patient’s medical condition and psychiatric history are evaluated; the suitability of the treatment is determined based on this evaluation.
The patient is monitored regularly throughout the treatment process, and the treatment plan may be reviewed by a specialist physician as needed.
How Long Does tVNS Treatment Last?
The duration of tVNS treatment and the session schedule are determined on an individual basis. The treatment duration may vary depending on the patient’s clinical condition, their response to treatment, and the specialist physician’s assessment.
For this reason, the same treatment process is not applied to every patient.
Is tVNS Safe?
Since tVNS is a non-surgical method, it is generally well-tolerated.
Some individuals may experience mild and temporary effects during or after the procedure:
- Short-term sensitivity in the application area
- Mild headache
- A temporary feeling of fatigue
As with any medical procedure, tVNS may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, the decision to undergo the procedure must be made by a specialist physician.
tVNS at NPİSTANBUL Hospital
tVNS procedures at NPİSTANBUL Hospital are planned following a detailed evaluation by psychiatry specialists. Before treatment begins, the patient’s psychiatric history, current treatments, and clinical needs are thoroughly assessed.
tVNS is considered as part of a holistic and personalized treatment plan, alongside other psychiatric approaches such as the patient’s current medication regimens and psychotherapy. The goal is not to provide a standardized treatment for every patient, but to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on individual needs.
Throughout the treatment process, patients are regularly monitored, and the treatment plan may be reviewed by a specialist physician based on clinical needs. The appropriateness and continuation of the treatment are determined at every stage in accordance with the physician’s assessment.
At NPİSTANBUL Hospital, tVNS procedures are conducted with a scientific, ethical, and patient-centered approach.
