Neck stimulation of vagus nerve at home shown to be safe
A study funded by Parkinson’s UK has shown that a handheld device designed to stimulate the vagus nerve is safe and easy to use for people with Parkinson’s. However, the research found no significant improvements to symptoms.
The study explored the use of gentle electrical stimulation to the neck via a non-invasive device designed to activate the vagus nerve, which acts as a communication highway between the brain and the body. The research aimed to build on earlier work that suggested the device could improve walking and cognition (thinking and memory). This was the first time the device had been trialled in a home setting, with participants using it twice a day.
While the approach was found to be safe and easy to use, researchers did not find significant long-term benefits on walking or cognition. However, the study offers valuable insights to guide future research in this area.
The research was conducted and led by Professor Alison Yarnall’s group at Newcastle University, and has been published in the Journal of Neurology. You can read the full paper on the Springer Nature website.
What did the study involve?
The research team used a handheld device called GammaCore, which participants held to their necks to deliver electrical stimulation. A total of 33 participants took part in the study, using either an active or placebo device twice daily for 2 minutes at a time over 12 weeks.
The primary aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of this approach. Researchers also measured walking ability, attention, and visual memory to explore any potential benefits.
What’s next?
The team are currently working on additional analysis of the study data to see if any more subtle differences in walking were seen. The researchers also collected blood samples as part of the study and are looking to see if there are any changes in specific markers in the blood.
Dr Katherine Fletcher, Research Communications Lead at Parkinson’s UK, commented:
“Although this study didn’t find significant improvements in walking or cognition, it’s an important step forward in exploring the potential of vagus nerve stimulation for people with Parkinson’s. It’s encouraging to see that the device was safe, well-tolerated, and easy to use at home.
"These findings will help inform future research into how this approach could address symptoms that people with Parkinson’s have told us matter most to them, such as walking, balance, and thinking changes.”
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Parkinson's has many associated symptoms. Motor symptoms are those that impact your movement and are often the more visible symptoms of Parkinson's.