Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matteo Donega, Cathrine T. Fjordbakk, Joseph Kirk, David M. Sokal, Isha Gupta, Gerald E. Hunsberger, Abbe Crawford, Simon Cook, Jaime Viscasillas, Thaleia-Rengina Stathopoulou, Jason A. Miranda, Wesley J. Dopson, David Goodwin, Alison Rowles, Paul McGill, Alex McSloy, Dirk Werling, Jason Witherington, Daniel J. Chew, Justin D. Perkins
Summary: Neuroimmunomodulation by stimulating autonomic connections to the spleen has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory conditions. Comparison of splenic nerves in mice, rats, pigs, and humans revealed pigs as a suitable model. Stimulation of the splenic nerve in pigs showed modulation of immune responses and cardiovascular protection, with parameters and biomarkers applicable to humans.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zakir Mridha, Jan Willem de Gee, Yanchen Shi, Rayan Alkashgari, Justin Williams, Aaron Suminski, Matthew P. Ward, Wenhao Zhang, Matthew James McGinley
Summary: The study demonstrates that pupil dilation is a reliable and noninvasive biosensor for titratable VNS-evoked cortical neuromodulation by acetylcholine in mice.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Natalia Yakunina, Eui-Cheol Nam
Summary: Recent animal research has shown that VNS paired with sound stimuli can eliminate tinnitus in noise-exposed rats, which led to clinical trials exploring the effectiveness of VNS for alleviating tinnitus in humans. Transcutaneous VNS has gained attention as a non-invasive alternative for tinnitus treatment, with studies also investigating its potential efficacy when used alone without sound stimuli.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
David Fernandez-Hernando, Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas, Ana Machado-Martin, Santiago Angulo-Diaz-Parreno, Francisco J. Garcia-Esteo, Juan A. Mesa-Jimenez
Summary: In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation of the vagus nerve in patients with tinnitus. The results showed that the treatment had a positive effect on related disability in patients with tinnitus, although its clinical relevance was low. More research is needed to draw firm conclusions about the effect of non-invasive neuromodulation of the vagus nerve on tinnitus.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
David Fernandez-Hernando, Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas, Juan A. Pareja-Grande, Francisco J. Garcia-Esteo, Juan A. Mesa-Jimenez
Summary: The study aimed to systematically review the effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation, auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (at-VNS), and electro-ear acupuncture of the vagus nerve in patients with migraine headaches. The results suggested that these methods may have some positive clinical effects for chronic migraine patients, but there is insufficient data to draw strong conclusions.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
David Fernandez-Hernando, Cristian Justribo Manion, Juan A. Pareja, Francisco J. Garcia-Esteo, Juan A. Mesa-Jimenez
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review on the effectiveness of non-invasive neuromodulation of the vagus nerve in patients with cluster headaches. The results showed that neuromodulation had some positive effects on relieving the frequency and intensity of cluster headaches. However, the limited quantity and heterogeneity of available studies prevented a meta-analysis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Horn C. Charles, Mats Forssell, Michael Sciullo, Jonathan E. Harms, Stephanie Fulton, Chenchen Mou, Fan Sun, Tyler W. Simpson, Gutian Xiao, Lee E. Fisher, Christopher Bettinger, Gary K. Fedder
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential for selective cervical VNS as a therapeutic approach for modulating distal nerve branches while reducing off target effects, which could potentially be refined to treat gastrointestinal, metabolic, inflammatory, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases amenable to vagal neuromodulatory control.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Stefanos Zafeiropoulos, Ioannis Doundoulakis, Ioannis T. Farmakis, Santiago Miyara, Dimitrios Giannis, George Giannakoulas, Dimitris Tsiachris, Raman Mitra, Nicholas T. Skipitaris, Stavros E. Mountantonakis, Stavros Stavrakis, Stavros Zanos
Summary: This review critically appraised the current evidence on autonomic neuromodulation therapies (ANMTs) for preventing postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) after cardiac surgery. The meta-analysis found that ANMTs can reduce the incidence and burden of POAF, shorten length of stay, and decrease inflammatory response. These findings provide a foundation for future larger and comparative trials of ANMTs.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Kristina M. Deligiannidis, Thalia Robakis, Sarah C. Homitsky, Erona Ibroci, Bridget King, Sunu Jacob, Diana Coppola, Shane Raines, Konstantinos Alataris
Summary: The study suggests that the Nesos taVNS system may be an effective non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment for major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. However, further evaluation in larger sham-controlled studies is needed.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Adam G. Evans, Abigail N. Horrar, Maryo M. Ibrahim, Brady L. Burns, Christopher L. Kalmar, Patrick E. Assi, Krista N. Brooks-Horrar, Tigran Kesayan, Salam Al Kassis
Summary: The study found that transcutaneous nerve stimulators showed significant reductions in both headache frequency and severity, effectively reducing the number of headache days and pain scores.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Svetlana Mastitskaya, Nicole Thompson, David Holder
Summary: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute lung injury caused by inflammatory response. Vagus nerve stimulation can limit systemic inflammation, but non-selective stimulation may have adverse effects. Selective stimulation based on localized activity imaging may provide organ-specific therapy for ARDS.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Megan L. Settell, Aaron C. Skubal, Rex C. H. Chen, Maisha Kasole, Bruce E. Knudsen, Evan N. Nicolai, Chengwu Huang, Chenyun Zhou, James K. Trevathan, Aniruddha Upadhye, Chaitanya Kolluru, Andrew J. Shoffstall, Justin C. Williams, Aaron J. Suminski, Warren M. Grill, Nicole A. Pelot, Shigao Chen, Kip A. Ludwig
Summary: This study demonstrates that placing the ultrasound transducer in the surgical pocket can improve the resolution of the vagus nerve, aiding in optimizing the placement of surgical targets. Naive volunteers successfully placed electrodes near sensory afferent groupings and away from motor efferent groupings, helping to avoid therapy-limiting side effects.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Huajun Yang, Weixiong Shi, Jingjing Fan, Xiaoshan Wang, Yijun Song, Yajun Lian, Wei Shan, Qun Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in patients with epilepsy. The patients were divided into an active stimulation group and a control group. The results showed that the responder rate and reduction in seizure frequency were significantly higher in the active group compared to the control group at 20 weeks of stimulation. No significant differences were observed in quality of life, mood, and cognitive state scores. The main adverse events were pain, sleep disturbance, flu-like symptoms, and local skin discomfort, which were similar between the two groups. Ta-VNS was found to be an effective and safe therapy for epilepsy, but further research is needed to validate its benefits in improving quality of life, mood, and cognitive state.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Peter Hanna, Eric Buch, Stavros Stavrakis, Christian Meyer, John D. Tompkins, Jeffrey L. Ardell, Kalyanam Shivkumar
Summary: The cardiac autonomic nervous system is crucial in cardiac physiology and disease, with therapies targeting the cardiac neuraxis showing promising results in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Francesca Puledda, Elisa Martins Silva, Kanokrat Suwanlaong, Peter J. Goadsby
Summary: Migraine is a common neurological disorder with complex neurobiology, affecting both central and peripheral nervous systems. Recent advancements in understanding its pathophysiology have led to the development of novel treatments, which are changing the clinical approach to the disease globally.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
A. Raggi, M. Leonardi, E. Sansone, M. Curone, L. Grazzi, D. D'Amico
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2020)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Domenico D'Amico, Licia Grazzi, Eleonora Grignani, Matilde Leonardi, Emanuela Sansone, Alberto Raggi, Venusia Covelli, Erika Guastafierro, Chiara Scaratti, Susanna Usai, Marco Bartolini, Giovanna Viticchi, Sabina Cevoli, Giulia Pierangeli, Gioacchino Tedeschi, Antonio Russo, Piero Barbanti, Cinzia Aurilia, Carlo Lovati, Luca Giani, Fabio Frediani, Paola Di Fiore, Francesco Bono, Laura Rapisarda, Angelo Pascarella
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Licia Grazzi, Paul Rizzoli
Review
Clinical Neurology
Domenico D'Amico, Alberto Raggi, Licia Grazzi, Giorgio Lambru
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Licia Grazzi, Paul Rizzoli
Article
Clinical Neurology
Piero Barbanti, Cinzia Aurilia, Gabriella Egeo, Luisa Fofi, Sabina Cevoli, Bruno Colombo, Massimo Filippi, Fabio Frediani, Francesco Bono, Licia Grazzi, Antonio Salerno, Bruno Mercuri, Antonio Carnevale, Claudia Altamura, Fabrizio Vernieri
Summary: Erenumab 70 mg is effective, safe, and well tolerated in real life. Easily obtainable clinical features might be of help in predicting patient's responsiveness.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Monica Consonni, Alessandra Telesca, Licia Grazzi, Daniele Cazzato, Giuseppe Lauria
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with chronic pain, especially those with SFN, experienced worsened physical health while those with CM had more psychological issues. This suggests the importance of providing tailored public health care for patients with different chronic pain conditions.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Matilde Leonardi, Licia Grazzi, Domenico D'Amico, Paolo Martelletti, Erika Guastafierro, Claudia Toppo, Alberto Raggi
Summary: Headache disorders, including migraine and tension-type headache, are prevalent and have a substantial impact on people of all ages globally. The study based on Global Burden of Disease data shows an increase in prevalence rates of these headache types over the past decade, especially among females. Unequal availability of effective treatments across regions may contribute to regional differences in headache burden. Promoting public health policies and strategies, including proper diagnosis and treatments, is crucial in reducing the disability and burden associated with headaches among children and adolescents.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Domenico D'Amico, Stewart J. Tepper, Erika Guastafierro, Claudia Toppo, Matilde Leonardi, Licia Grazzi, Paolo Martelletti, Alberto Raggi
Summary: Assessment instruments addressing disability and quality of life in headache disorders have not been comprehensively addressed. Few instruments are commonly used across different types of headache disorders and further research is needed to expand the scope of impact on daily life activities and environmental factors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Deledda, Niccolo Riccardi, Stefania Gori, Sara Poli, Matteo Giansante, Eleonora Geccherle, Cristina Mazzi, Ronaldo Silva, Nicoletta Desantis, Ambra Mara Giovannetti, Alessandra Solari, Paolo Confalonieri, Licia Grazzi, Elena Sarcletti, Gabriella Biffa, Antonio Di Biagio, Carlo Sestito, Roland Keim, Alida M. R. Di Gangi Hermis, Mariantonietta Mazzoldi, Alessandro Failo, Anna Scaglione, Naida Faldetta, Patrizia Dorangricchia, Maria Moschetto, Hector Jose Soto Parra, Jennifer Faietti, Anna Di Profio, Stefano Rusconi, Andrea Giacomelli, Fabio Marchioretto, Filippo Alongi, Antonio Marchetta, Giulio Molon, Zeno Bisoffi, Andrea Angheben
Summary: This study investigated the psychosocial factors contributing to the cancellation of medical appointments during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak by patients with pre-existing health conditions. It found that psychological flexibility and fear of COVID-19 were correlated with appointment cancellations. Responding promptly to the information and psychological needs of patients who cancel appointments can have positive effects on psychological and physical health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Licia Grazzi, Paul Rizzoli
Summary: The study suggests that lifestyle changes during a COVID-19 lockdown in the Netherlands led to improvement in migraine symptoms, highlighting the potential impact of behavioral interventions alongside traditional pharmaceutical treatments.
NATURE REVIEWS NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Licia Grazzi, Claudia Toppo, Domenico D'Amico, Matilde Leonardi, Paolo Martelletti, Alberto Raggi, Erika Guastafierro
Summary: Non-pharmacological treatments such as non-invasive neuromodulation, nutraceuticals, and behavioral therapies are increasingly used in the management of headache disorders, especially for patients with medication overuse or contraindications to drug treatment. Further investigations are needed to consider the long-term effects of these approaches.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Davide Pareyson, Chiara Pantaleoni, Roberto Eleopra, Giuseppe De Filippis, Isabella Moroni, Elena Freri, Federica Zibordi, Sara Bulgheroni, Emanuela Pagliano, Daniela Sarti, Antonio Silvani, Licia Grazzi, Pietro Tiraboschi, Giuseppe Didato, Elena Anghileri, Anna Bersano, Laura Valentini, Sylvie Piacentini, Cristina Muscio, Matilde Leonardi, Caterina Mariotti, Marica Eoli, Sara Nuzzo, Fabrizio Tagliavini, Paolo Confalonieri, Francesca De Giorgi
Summary: Lombardy in Italy experienced a rapid reorganization of its healthcare system due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the implementation and success of neuro-telemedicine services and teleneurorehabilitation. The recognition and pricing of telehealth services in Italy have become a stable pillar of the health system as a result of the pandemic.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria Clara Tonini, Alessandra Fiorencis, Rosario Iannacchero, Mauro Zampolini, Antonietta Cappuccio, Raffaella Raddino, Elisabetta Grillo, Maria Albanese, Gianni Allais, Marco Andre Bassano, Filippo Brighina, Terenzio Carboni, Fabio Frediani, Licia Grazzi, Carmela Mastrandrea, Franca Moschiano, Maria Gabriella Poeta, Angelo Ranieri, Renato Turrini, Maria Giulia Marini
Summary: The project investigated the migraine illness experience through Narrative Medicine, collecting narratives from patients, caregivers, and clinicians. Analysis revealed the impact of migraine on social, domestic, and work life, as well as the extent of caregiving burden and potential underestimation of migraine burden in patients' and caregivers' lives. Narrative Medicine emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing knowledge and awareness of migraine.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Raffaele Ornello, Fayyaz Ahmed, Andrea Negro, Anna Maria Miscio, Antonio Santoro, Alicia Alpuente, Antonio Russo, Marcello Silvestro, Sabina Cevoli, Nicoletta Brunelli, Fabrizio Vernieri, Licia Grazzi, Carlo Baraldi, Simona Guerzoni, Anna P. Andreou, Giorgio Lambru, Ilaria Frattale, Katharina Kamm, Ruth Ruscheweyh, Marco Russo, Paola Torelli, Elena Filatova, Nina Latysheva, Anna Gryglas-Dworak, Marcin Straburzynski, Calogera Butera, Bruno Colombo, Massimo Filippi, Patricia Pozo-Rosich, Paolo Martelletti, Simona Sacco
Summary: The study found that patients with chronic migraine who responded well or partially to BT-A in the first two treatment cycles were likely to benefit from a third cycle. However, the likelihood of non-responders in the first two cycles starting to respond in the third cycle was low. These results can help guide decisions on continuing or discontinuing treatment for patients who have not responded in the initial cycles.