Clinical UM Guideline

This document addresses the indications for use of an implantable vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device, the electronic analysis of the implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system, and non-implantable (transcutaneous) VNS devices. These devices are used as a treatment of medically and surgically refractory seizures associated with intractable epilepsy. Implantable devices may deliver stimulation in an open-loop fashion with continuous but intermittent (‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ cycles) stimulation of the vagus nerve (a hand-held magnet allows on-demand stimulation to interrupt seizure activity), or may utilize detection of extra-cerebral indicators, for example, cardiac-based seizure detection (also known as “responsive devices”, “devices with an automatic stimulation mode”, or “closed loop devices”) that specifically use tachycardia as a surrogate marker for seizure prediction.

Note: The use of non-implantable VNS devices to treat migraines is addressed in the following document:

• CG-MED-100 Surface Electrical Stimulation Devices for Headache and Migraine

Note: The use of vagal nerve blocking for the treatment of morbid obesity is addressed in the following document:

• CG-SURG-83 Bariatric Surgery and Other Treatments for Clinically Severe Obesity

Note: Please see the following related documents for other treatments of epilepsy:

• CG-MED-05 Ketogenic Diet for Treatment of Intractable Seizures
• CG-SURG-91 Minimally Invasive Ablative Procedures for Epilepsy
• MED.00057 MRI Guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation for Non-Oncologic Indications
• SURG.00026 Deep Brain, Cortical, and Cerebellar Stimulation

Note: For a high-level overview of this document, please see “Summary for Members and Families” below. 

Medically Necessary:

1. Implantation of a vagus nerve stimulation device is considered medically necessary in an individual with medically and surgically refractory seizures as evidenced by:
   1. Failure of more than one trial of single or combination antiepileptic medications, as evidenced by persistent seizures or intolerable side effects of drug therapy; and
   2. Individual has failed or is not a candidate for resective epilepsy surgery.
       
2. Electronic analysis of an implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system for vagus nerve stimulation is considered medically necessary when the implantation occurred because the above criteria were met.
    
3. Replacement or revision of an implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system (with or without lead changes) for vagus nerve stimulation is considered medically necessary when:
   1. The implantation occurred because the above criteria were met; and
   2. The current implanted device is no longer functioning appropriately.

Not Medically Necessary:

1. Implantation of a vagus nerve stimulation device is considered not medically necessary when criteria are not met and for all other conditions.
    
2. Electronic analysis of an implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system for vagus nerve stimulation is considered not medically necessary when the medically necessary criteria for device implantation are not met.
    
3. Replacement or revision of an implanted neurostimulator pulse generator system for vagus nerve stimulation (with or without lead changes) is considered not medically necessary when the medically necessary criteria for device implantation are not met or the current implanted device is functioning appropriately.
    
4. Non-implantable vagus nerve stimulation devices are considered not medically necessary for all conditions.

This document describes clinical studies and expert recommendations, and explains whether vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is appropriate. The following summary does not replace the medical necessity criteria or other information in this document. The summary may not contain all of the relevant criteria or information. This summary is not medical advice. Please check with your healthcare provider for any advice about your health.

Key Information

VNS is a treatment for people with seizures that do not get better with medicine or surgery. It involves a device implanted in the chest that sends mild electrical signals to the vagus nerve in the neck. The goal is to help reduce seizures. There are several devices available for this type of treatment. Some devices provide regular electrical signals to the vagus nerve while others use sensors to detect possible seizure activity and changes in heart rate to automatically adjust the electrical signal pattern as needed. Non-implantable VNS devices also exist, using electrical stimulation through the skin on the neck or ear. These are easier to use but have not been proven as helpful. VNS may also be used for other conditions like depression, stroke recovery, or rheumatoid arthritis, but studies have not clearly shown it works well for these uses.

What the Studies Show

For people with seizures that do not improve with medication and are not able to have surgery, implanted VNS can help reduce seizure frequency. Studies show that about half of people using VNS had fewer seizures over time. Some studies also found it helped people feel better overall. It is not a cure, and complete freedom from seizure is rare. Side effects can include voice changes, cough, and sleep problems, but serious side effects are uncommon. Closed loop VNS systems, which respond to heart rate changes and adjust treatment as needed, may offer similar or slightly better results than regular systems, though more direct comparisons are needed.

For depression, early studies of VNS showed mixed results. Some people improved, but many studies were too small or lacked proper comparison groups. Later larger studies, including one called RECOVER, found no clear benefit of VNS over placebo. Some people did improve over time, but the results were inconsistent and may be due to other factors. Leading medical groups do not recommend VNS as a regular treatment for depression. VNS has also been tested for stroke rehabilitation, with some small studies showing minor improvements in arm movement. However, long-term benefits are unclear, and more research is needed. For rheumatoid arthritis, VNS showed small short-term benefits, but longer-term results are not strong enough to support regular use. For other conditions, such as memory problems, eating disorders, or chronic pain, VNS has been studied in small groups, but better studies are needed to know if it improves health.

When is Vagus Nerve Stimulation Clinically Appropriate?

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) may be appropriate in these situations:

• A person has seizures that do not improve with more than one seizure medication and
• The person has had surgery to treat seizures that did not help or
• The person is not a candidate for seizure surgery.

In these cases, it may also be appropriate to:

• Analyze or replace the implanted device if it is no longer working correctly.

When is this not Clinically Appropriate?

Implanted VNS is not considered appropriate if a person does not meet the criteria listed above. It is also not appropriate for other health problems outside of epilepsy. Studies for depression, stroke rehabilitation, and rheumatoid arthritis do not clearly show that VNS improves health, and these studies have shown mixed or limited results. For example, in depression, VNS did not show better results than sham treatment in key trials. In stroke rehabilitation, small studies showed some improvements in arm movement, but these studies were limited by small size, short follow-up, and lack of control groups. For rheumatoid arthritis, short-term benefits were modest, and long-term studies without control groups do not provide strong evidence. VNS is not clinically appropriate in scenarios other than those listed above.

Unnecessary or unproven treatments can lead to treatment that does not help.

(Return to Description)

The following codes for treatments and procedures applicable to this guideline are included below for informational purposes. Inclusion or exclusion of a procedure, diagnosis or device code(s) does not constitute or imply member coverage or provider reimbursement policy. Please refer to the member's contract benefits in effect at the time of service to determine coverage or non-coverage of these services as it applies to an individual member.

When services may be Medically Necessary when specified as vagus nerve stimulator and criteria are met:

When services are Not Medically Necessary:
For the procedure codes listed above when specified as vagus nerve stimulator when criteria are not met or for all other diagnoses not listed.

When services are also Not Medically Necessary:

Summary

VNS is an implantable neuromodulation therapy that delivers intermittent electrical stimulation to the cervical vagus nerve and is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an adjunctive treatment for select conditions. In epilepsy, VNS is intended for individuals with drug-resistant seizures who are not candidates for, or decline, curative resective surgery. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and meta-analyses demonstrate that VNS may provide a modest, cumulative reduction in seizure frequency over time, with approximately half of treated individuals achieving a ≥ 50% reduction, though complete freedom from seizure is uncommon. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) guideline supports consideration of VNS for medically refractory focal and generalized seizures, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, recognizing its palliative role and generally favorable long-term safety profile.

VNS has also been evaluated for non-epilepsy indications, including treatment-resistant depression and stroke rehabilitation; however, the evidence supporting these uses is inconsistent and methodologically limited. For depression, sham-controlled trials failed to demonstrate clear short-term efficacy, and longer-term observational studies are subject to bias, leading major guidelines, including the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense (VA/DoD) clinical practice guideline and the American Psychological Association (APA), to recommend against VNS due to lack of demonstrated benefit and unfavorable risk-burden considerations. Similarly, for stroke rehabilitation and other emerging indications, available data rely largely on small trials, post hoc analyses, and uncontrolled follow-up studies without durable comparative benefit over standard therapy. As a result, specialty society guidance and consensus statements do not support routine clinical use of VNS outside narrowly defined epilepsy populations, and VNS is not considered medically necessary for non-epilepsy indications.

Discussion

Implanted VNS

An implantable VNS device is similar to a cardiac pacemaker and includes a generator device surgically placed under the skin in the left chest area, typically below the collarbone. A nerve stimulation electrode is tunneled under the skin to the lower neck where it is placed around the left cervical vagus nerve. Using an external programmer, the stimulation parameters of the device are set (or reset) to deliver preprogrammed intermittent electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which then transmits the stimulation to the brain to create widespread antiepileptic effects. Additionally, an individual can activate the system when sensing the onset of a seizure to deliver an additional dose of stimulation by passing a magnet over the area of the chest where the device is implanted. The device is powered by a lithium thionyl chloride battery that must be replaced every 1.5-5 years depending on the stimulation parameters.

Reports of adverse effects of implantable VNS therapy have included voice alteration, headache, neck pain, cough, and obstructive or central sleep apnea (OSA or CSA) or other sleep breathing disorders; however, “the mechanism for CSA seen in individuals with a vagus nerve stimulator is not fully known” (Forde, 2017). In a review article, Giordano (2017) reports on surgical techniques for VNS implantation and related acute and delayed morbidity. Late complications of VNS therapy, related to the device and to stimulation of the vagus nerve include, but are not limited to delayed arrhythmias, laryngopharyngeal dysfunction (hoarseness, dyspnea, and coughing), obstructive sleep apnea, stimulation of the phrenic nerve, and tonsillar pain mimicking glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Complete surgical removal or revision and replacement of the device is considered in cases of device malfunction (4% - 16.8%), failure of VNS therapy, intolerable side effects, or resulting from the individual’s specific request. Sleep breathing disorders and laryngeal motility alterations are reported in numerous single and small case series of individuals implanted with VNS for drug-resistant epilepsy. In a retrospective case series, Zambrelli (2016) evaluated 23 individuals with medically refractory epilepsy who underwent sleep testing before and after VNS implantation. A total of 18 individuals underwent endoscopic laryngeal examination post-VNS implantation. Statistical analysis was carried out to assess an association between laryngeal motility alterations and the onset/worsening of sleep breathing disorders. After VNS implantation, 11 individuals showed new onset of mild/moderate sleep breathing disorders. Individuals already affected by obstructive sleep apnea showed worsening of sleep breathing disorders, and those with new-onset obstructive sleep apnea had a laryngeal pattern with left vocal cord adduction (LVCA) during VNS stimulation. The authors suggest there is an association between VNS and sleep breathing disorders that should be investigated in individuals before and after VNS implantation.

Medically and Surgically Refractory Seizures  

Pharmacotherapy is considered the first-line therapy in the treatment of seizures. Pharmacotherapy can result in seizure remission, reduced morbidity and decreased risk of premature mortality associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and other seizure-related complications related to seizures. Drug therapy is effective in approximately 66% of individuals with epilepsy.

Surgical intervention, involving resection or disconnection of epileptogenic brain regions, remains the only treatment modality with curative potential for epilepsy. However, a substantial proportion of individuals are not surgical candidates, as greater than 50% of affected individuals have comorbid medical conditions, some of which may preclude surgical intervention (Sinha, 2022; Thijs, 2019).

Neurosurgical procedures are associated with inherent risks, including hemorrhage, infection, and postoperative neurologic or cognitive deficits affecting memory, vision, mood, or language, which may be transient or permanent (Sinha, 2022). In contrast, VNS implantation is considered a low-risk procedure, with complications typically limited to superficial infection (3-6%). Serious adverse events, such as vocal cord paralysis or bradycardia/asystole, are reported infrequently (Simpson, 2022).

Despite robust evidence and established clinical practice guidelines supporting its efficacy, epilepsy surgery remains markedly underutilized. Approximately 3000-4000 epilepsy surgeries are performed annually among an estimated 100,000-200,000 eligible candidates, with utilization rates remaining static or declining over time (Englot, 2012; Samanta, 2021). Contributing factors span individual, provider, and health system domains and include perceptions of surgical risk and invasiveness (Dewar, 2021; Samanta, 2021). Survey data indicate that many individuals regard brain surgery as a last-line therapy and demonstrate a preference for less invasive or lower-risk interventions, even when associated with reduced potential benefit (Sinha, 2021).

Although surgery offers the most effective and durable seizure control for individuals with medically refractory epilepsy when seizures localize to resectable regions with acceptable risk, VNS therapy represents a reasonable alternative for those who are fully informed of the risks and benefits yet decline surgical intervention.

In 1997, the FDA approved a VNS device called the NeuroCybernetic Prosthesis (NCP^®) system (Cyberonics, Inc. [now LivaNova USA, Inc., Houston, TX) through the premarket approval (PMA) process. The device was approved for use in conjunction with drugs or surgery “…as an adjunctive treatment of adults and adolescents over 12 years of age with medically refractory partial onset seizures.” The company markets the system as VNS Therapy^®.

The long-term efficacy and safety of VNS therapy in children with medically refractory seizures, including those with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), has been reported in numerous retrospective case series, multicenter and observational studies, and RCTs (Alexopoulos, 2006; Benifla, 2006; De Herdt, 2007; Elliott, 2011c; Healy, 2013; Klinkenberg, 2012; Kostov, 2009; Orosz, 2014; Tecoma, 2006; You, 2007; You, 2008). Additional retrospective case series measuring the long-term effects of VNS for medically and surgically refractory seizures in adults and the pediatric population have been published in the peer-reviewed medical literature. Significant reductions in seizure frequency with possible cumulative effect are reported along with a reduction in surgical complications and untoward side effects with chronic VNS therapy (Coykendall, 2010; Elliott, 2011a; Elliott, 2011b; Ghaemi, 2010; Kabir, 2009; Morris, 1999; Murphy, 1999; Siddiqui, 2010; Vale, 2011; Yu, 2014). Englot (2011) performed the first meta-analysis of VNS efficacy in epilepsy, identifying 74 clinical studies with 3321 participants with intractable epilepsy. These studies included 3 blinded RCTs (Class I evidence); 2 nonblinded RCTs (Class II evidence); 10 prospective studies (Class III evidence); and numerous retrospective studies. After VNS implantation, seizure frequency was reduced by an average of 45%, with a 36% reduction in seizures at 3-12 months after surgery and a 51% reduction after greater than 1 year of therapy. At the last follow-up, seizures were reduced by 50% or more in approximately 50% of the individuals, and VNS therapy reported a ≥ 50% reduction in seizures (main effects, odds ratio of 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80-1.86). Individuals with generalized epilepsy and children benefited significantly from VNS despite their exclusion from initial approval of the device. Ryvlin (2014) published an RCT reporting long-term quality of life (QOL) outcomes for 112 individuals with drug-resistant focal seizures, which supports the beneficial effects of VNS for these groups.

In a Cochrane review, Panebianco (2015) systematically reviewed the available evidence in the peer-reviewed medical literature for the efficacy and tolerability of VNS when used as an adjunctive treatment for individuals with drug-resistant partial epilepsy. In five trials which included 439 participants, VNS appeared to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of partial seizures. Results showed a positive dose-response relationship regarding stimulation level and seizure frequency. An evaluation of outcomes related to "withdrawal of allocated treatment" suggested that VNS was well tolerated as withdrawals were rare. Adverse effects associated with implantation and stimulation included hoarseness, cough, dyspnea, pain, paresthesia, nausea and headache, with hoarseness and dyspnea more likely to occur on high stimulation than low stimulation.

In 2013, the AAN (Morris) released an updated guideline evaluating the evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of VNS for epilepsy. This document was reaffirmed in 2022. The guideline states that VNS may be considered for seizures (both partial and generalized) in children, for LGS-associated seizures. VNS may also improve mood when used in the treatment of adults with epilepsy although this should be considered a secondary reason for VNS.

Harden (2017) reported on the incidence rates and risk factors for SUDEP in different epilepsy populations in a 2017 practice guideline from the AAN and American Epilepsy Society. Considering a systematic review of the literature, the guideline states:

The evidence is very low or conflicting that the following factors are associated with altering SUDEP risk:

• Vagus nerve stimulator use for more than 2 years (however, current research does not rule out the possibility of a beneficial effect and, further, the potential effect of epilepsy surgery on reducing GTCS frequency and epilepsy severity on reducing the risk of SUDEP).

Refractory Depression

In July 2005, Cyberonics, Inc. (now known as LivaNova USA, Inc, Houston, TX, USA) received FDA premarket approval for the VNS Therapy^™ System “…for the adjunctive long-term treatment of chronic or recurrent depression for patients 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a major depressive episode and have not had an adequate response to four or more adequate antidepressant treatments.”

The FDA submission included a case series of 60 individuals receiving VNS (Study D-01), a 3-month randomized sham-controlled trial of 221 individuals (Study D-02), and an observational study comparing 205 individuals treated with VNS with 124 individuals receiving ongoing depression treatment (Study D-04) (George, 2005; Rush, 2000). Individuals who responded to sham treatment in the RCT (approximately 10%) were excluded from the long-term observational study. The primary efficacy outcome across studies was improvement in depressive symptoms, defined as a ≥ 50% reduction from baseline on validated depression rating scales, most commonly the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Related (IDS-SR). In the case series, response rates ranged from 31% at 10 weeks to over 40% at 1-2 years; however, interpretation is limited by substantial attrition (42 participants at 2 years vs. 59 initially) and the absence of a control group, making it difficult to distinguish treatment effects from placebo response, natural history, or expectancy effects.

In the randomized trial, VNS did not demonstrate a statistically significant benefit over sham on the primary outcome at 3 months (15% vs. 10% response; p=0.31) (Rush, 2000; Rush, 2005a). The IDS-SR, a secondary outcome, showed a statistically significant difference favoring VNS (17.4% vs. 7.5%; p=0.04), while all other outcomes were nonsignificant. The observational study reported a greater rate of improvement in depression scores with VNS at 1 year (George, 2005); however, this study was initiated after the RCT results were known and was subject to potential confounding, including unmeasured baseline differences, nonconcurrent controls, site-of-care differences, and changes in concomitant therapies. Analyses restricted to participants treated at the same sites and censoring data after treatment changes attenuated these findings, with few remaining statistically significant differences.

Aaronson (2013) performed a multi-center double-blind study comparing the clinical outcomes of VNS therapy applied at different stimulation levels. VNS therapy was used as adjuvant treatment in 331 individuals with a history of chronic or recurrent bipolar disorder or a current episode of major depressive disorder. The intent of the trial was to show that “high” and “medium” electrical “doses” (charge) would produce superior clinical outcomes relative to a “low” electrical dose. Participants with a history of failure to respond to at least four adequate dose/duration antidepressant treatment trials from at least two different treatment categories were randomized to one of three dose groups. After 22 weeks, the current stimulation dose could be adjusted in any of the groups. At follow-up visits at weeks 10, 14, 18, and 22 after enrollment, there was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in comparison of the primary outcome measure, a change in IDS-Clinician Administered (IDS-C) score from baseline. The mean IDS-C score improved significantly for each of the groups from baseline to 22-week follow-up. At 50 weeks of follow-up, the proportion of the small number of 22-week responders with a durable outcome was greater in the “high” and “medium” electrical “dose” groups than in the “low” dose group. Most participants completed the study; however, there was a high rate of reported adverse events (AEs), including voice alteration in 72.2%, dyspnea in 32.3%, and pain in 31.7%. Limitations of this study include the interpretation of improvement in IDS-C scores over time due to the lack of a controlled (no treatment) comparator group and, that approximately 20% of the participants had a history of bipolar disorder. Therefore, the results may not be representative of a homogeneous group of individuals with treatment-resistant unipolar depression.

Early studies of VNS therapy for treatment-resistant depression suggested a possible signal of benefit; however, these findings were largely derived from small, uncontrolled, or open-label investigations lacking appropriate comparison groups (Bajbouj, 2010; Cristancho, 2011; Nahas, 2005; Schlaepfer, 2008). Subsequent controlled trials failed to demonstrate consistent, clinically meaningful efficacy, and the overall body of evidence has not established VNS as an effective non-pharmacological treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) (Aaronson, 2013; Rush, 2005). Given the methodological limitations of early studies and the absence of robust confirmatory evidence, VNS therapy has not been established as a standard of care for depression and is not supported as medically necessary based on current evidence.

Aaronson (2017) evaluated long-term outcomes from the 5-year post-marketing surveillance study of individuals with TRD treated with VNS or “treatment as usual.” This multicenter, prospective, open-label, non-randomized, longitudinal, observational registry study conducted at 61 United States sites included 795 individuals who experienced a major depressive episode (unipolar or bipolar depression) of at least 2 years duration or had three or more depressive episodes (including the current episode), and who had failed four or more depression treatments (including ECT). Prior to enrollment, registry participants (except for those enrolled in the VNS dose-finding study, referred to as the D-21 study; NCT00305565) were allowed to select the treatment arm of their choice; however, some individuals were assigned by study site to receive the alternate treatment (n=301, number of participants in the treatment-as-usual arm). Participants in the VNS arm (n=494) underwent implantation surgery before visit 2 (baseline). Post-baseline follow-up visits for all participants were scheduled at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, and 60 months. Data was collected on medical status, adjustment of mood disorder therapy, and concomitant treatments (with no restrictions). The primary efficacy measure was response rate, defined as a decrease of ≥ 50% in baseline MADRS score at any post-baseline visit during the 5-year study. Secondary efficacy measures included remission. Safety analysis included participants in the treatment-as-usual arm who completed the visit 2 requirements and those in the VNS arm who had undergone device implantation before visit 2. At baseline, the mean MADRS score was 29.3 (standard deviation [SD] equals 6.9) for the treatment-as-usual group and 33.1 (SD equals 7.0) for the VNS arm. The registry results indicated that participants in the VNS arm had better clinical outcomes than the treatment-as-usual group, including a significantly higher 5-year cumulative response rate (67.6% compared with 40.9%, respectively; p<0.001) and a significantly higher remission rate (cumulative first-time remitters, 43.3% compared with 25.7%, respectively; p<0.001). A subanalysis demonstrated that among participants who had previously responded to ECT, those in the VNS arm had a significantly higher 5-year cumulative response rate than those in the treatment-as-usual group (71.3% compared with 56.9%, respectively; p=0.006). For ECT nonresponders in the VNS arm, the response rate was 59.6% (95% CI, 50.2, 68.4), compared with 34.1% (95% CI, 21.8, 48.9) for ECT nonresponders in the treatment-as-usual arm (p<0.001), with statistically significant separation beginning after 2 years of treatment and continuing until completion of registry participation. Several limitations to this study exist, including those previously cited in the original study, and the long-term evaluation of data from a participant registry. The naturalistic, observational study design did not allow for random assignment of participants to treatment groups; thus, participants were not blinded to treatment. A significant number of participants in both groups withdrew early from the study. Of the 494 participants in the VNS arm, 461 (93%), 289 (59%), 313 (63%), 334 (68%), and 300 (61%), respectively, completed all 5 years of the registry (the variable numbers in the VNS arm are due to D-21 study participants who rolled over into the registry at various time points after implantation). Of the 301 participants in the treatment-as-usual arm, 224 (74%), 185 (62%), 168 (56%), 149 (50%), and 138 (46%), respectively, completed all 5 years of the registry. Of the 358 participants (45%) who withdrew early, 195 were from the VNS arm (40%) and 163 were from the treatment-as-usual arm (54%). The reasons for early withdrawal were similar between the treatment arms. Finally, the significantly higher treatment response rate observed in the VNS arm may represent a treatment effect, as participants with an implanted device may have had a higher expectation of therapeutic improvement; in addition, inclusion of D-21 study rollover participants in the VNS arm who may have previously experienced a positive response with VNS may have been more likely to participate in the registry.

A 2022 VA/DOD clinical practice guideline on the management of major depressive disorder notes that although the FDA has approved VNS therapy as a treatment of TRD, the guideline recommends against using VNS for this condition, citing evidence showing no difference between VNS and sham placebo. The guideline notes that the potential harms and burden outweigh the benefits and individuals “may try other non-pharmacological treatments for major depressive disorder over the use of VNS”.

The APA clinical practice guideline addressing the treatment of depressive disorders in children, adolescents, adults and older adults (2022) examined the efficacy of psychological treatments, pharmacotherapy and complementary and alternative medicine treatments. While there was a conditional recommendation for use for complementary and alternative treatments in adults, VNS was not listed as a specific modality in the recommended list.

The RECOVER trial is a large, multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled study evaluating adjunctive VNS for individuals with marked treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, with planned follow-up of up to 5 years. The primary 12-month randomized efficacy results have been published and showed that VNS did not meet its prespecified primary endpoint of percent time in response on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), with no statistically significant separation between active and sham treatment groups (Conway, 2025). Secondary analyses reported modest advantages for VNS compared to sham on select clinician-rated, patient-reported, and partial-response measures but these effects were inconsistent across outcome instruments and of uncertain clinical magnitude. A related publication by Rush (2025) published the results of a secondary outcomes analysis focusing on QOL and daily functioning. The authors note inconsistent results. There were statistically significant differences favoring VNS on some disease-specific measures (Mini-Q-LES-Q and WPAI item 6), while other global function and health status measures failed to show differences, limiting conclusions regarding overall clinical benefit. Longer-term RECOVER extension analyses reporting durability of benefit through 18-24 months were derived from open-label, uncontrolled phases and are subject to selection bias, lack of comparator, and continued concomitant therapies, making attribution of sustained outcomes to VNS uncertain (Conway, 2026). Taken together, the RECOVER evidence does not establish consistent, definitive effectiveness of VNS for depression, nor does it clearly define appropriate treatment duration, appropriate candidate selection, or comparative clinical value, supporting the conclusion that VNS for depression remains insufficiently supported for routine clinical use at this time.

VNS Paired with Rehabilitation Following Stroke

The goal of rehabilitation following a stroke is to regain the ability to perform everyday activities and maximize function. Rehabilitation may include exercises, stretching, and training on assistive devices (Shahid, 2023). VNS therapy for stroke rehabilitation involves surgical implantation of a pulse generator with stimulation delivered to the cervical vagus nerve, which is paired with task-specific upper extremity rehabilitation exercises. During therapy sessions, brief electrical stimulation is delivered concurrently with targeted motor tasks to promote neuroplasticity and enhance motor recovery, followed by continued self-initiated stimulation during prescribed home-based exercises.

Dawson (2016) conducted a small, randomized pilot study of implantable VNS in individuals with upper limb dysfunction after ischemic stroke. A total of 21 individuals were randomized to VNS plus rehabilitation or rehabilitation alone. The mean change in the outcome as assessed by a functional assessment score was +8.7 in the VNS group versus +3.0 in the control group (p=0.064). Only 6 individuals in the VNS group achieved clinically meaningful response versus 4 individuals in the control group. Limitations of this study include the small sample size, lack of blinding to either the physiotherapist delivering the therapy or the subject, and no sham stimulation group.

The safety and feasibility of an implanted VNS as a potential therapeutic rehabilitative modality was investigated in a multisite, double-blinded, sham-controlled pilot study (Kimberley, 2018). Individuals with arm weakness following unilateral supratentorial ischemic stroke were randomized to receive rehabilitation with active VNS (n=8) or rehabilitation with control VNS (n=9). Participants received in-clinic therapy 3 times a week for 6 weeks followed by prescribed daily home exercises. Individuals in the control group were crossed over to active in-clinic treatment following the 90-day assessment. The FMA-UE tool was used to quantify improvement, with a clinically meaningful improvement defined as a 6 or more-point improvement over baseline. Following in-clinic therapy, there were no significant differences between the groups. At 90 days, the mean FMA-UE scores improved by 9.5 points in the active VNS group and 3.8 points in the control VNS group. The difference was attributed to maintained benefit in the active VNS group and a decline in the control VNS group and a higher percentage of participants who achieved a clinically meaningful response in the active VNS group. Individuals who crossed over to active treatment achieved results similar to the active VNS group. While the results of this pilot study with limited participants are promising, there were some limitations. At baseline, the mean FMA-UE was 29.5 with a SD of 6.4 in the active VNS group and 36 with a SD of 9.4 in the control VNS group. While compliance with home therapy was measured by downloading device information and self-report, compliance outcomes were not reported within the study.

Participants in the pilot study were followed for up to 3 years, (Francisco, 2023). All participants continued self-initiated home-based therapy, with outcomes analyzed using pooled, unblinded data and no comparator group beyond 1 year. Although continued improvements in motor impairment and function were reported over time, including increases in Fugl-Meyer and Wolf Motor Function Test scores, the findings are limited by the very small sample size, absence of a control group, reliance on exploratory analyses without adjustment for multiple comparisons, and potential selection and adherence bias in a highly motivated cohort.

Dawson (2020) reported on the 1-year outcomes of the individuals from Kimberley (2018) pilot study. Outcomes were available for 15 of the 17 original participants. Adherence data was gathered using the number of magnetic swipes performed and correlating that to potential number of home exercise sessions performed. On average, participants performed home exercise 57.4% of the time (200±63 sessions). At 1 year, the pooled FMA-UE scores improved 9.2 ± 8.2 points (CI, 4.7 to 13.7, p=0.001) over baseline. A clinically meaningful response at one year was reported by 73% (11/15) of participants. This study reported long-term gains associated with active VNS and home exercise therapy. With the cross-over of the control group to active VNS treatment, the comparator exercise only group data was lost. While these results are promising, post-stroke deficits affect a significant number of individuals, however, this study included only 17 participants.

In a pivotal, randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled study (VNS-REHAB) VNS paired with rehabilitation was compared to rehabilitation alone (Dawson, 2021). Participants met criteria if they had a history of unilateral supratentorial ischemic stroke that occurred 9 months to 10 years prior to enrollment, and a moderate to severe arm impairment defined as a Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score of 20 to 50. The study involved 106 participants randomly assigned to receive either rehabilitation paired with active implanted VNS using the Vivistim^® System (MicroTransponder, Austin, TX) or rehabilitation paired with implanted sham stimulation. Participants received 6 weeks of in-clinic therapy, 3 times per week for a total of 18 sessions followed by a home exercise program. The primary outcome was the change in impairment measured by an FMA-UE score measured on the first day after completion of in-clinic therapy. On the first day following completion of in-clinic therapy, the mean FMA-UE score increased by 5 points in the VNS group and 2.4 points in the control group (between group difference, 2.6; 95% CI, 1 to 4.2; p=0.0014). At 90 days after in-clinic therapy, a clinically meaningful response on the FMA-UE score was achieved in 23 (47%) of 53 participants in the VNS group compared to 13 (24%) of 55 participants in the control group (between group difference, 24%; p=0.0098). There was one serious AE related to surgery in the control group. It remains unclear if the outcomes of VNS paired with rehabilitation are maintained beyond 90 days.

Based on the results of the pivotal trial, the FDA approved the Vivistim System as a paired implantable VNS system to treat moderate to severe upper extremity motor deficits and improve motor function in individuals with chronic ischemic stroke in August 2021. The system is intended to be used concurrently with post-stroke rehabilitation therapy. The system consists of the implanted device, clinician software and a wireless transmitter and is intended to be used in a clinical or home setting. The software and transmitter are to be set only by a healthcare provider. In the home setting, the individual is provided with a magnet which is used to activate the system.

Kimberley (2025) reported on a post hoc, unblinded, pooled analysis of 1-year outcomes from the VNS-REHAB randomized trial evaluating VNS paired with upper extremity rehabilitation in 108 adults with chronic ischemic stroke and moderate-to-severe arm impairment. A total of 74 participants (69%) completed 12-month follow-up. All participants underwent surgical implantation of a VNS device and received intensive in-clinic therapy followed by prolonged self-initiated home exercise with active stimulation, including crossover of the original sham group, eliminating the presence of a long-term control comparator. At 1 year, statistically significant improvements from baseline were observed in the primary outcome, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-UE (mean change 5.23; 95% CI, 4.08-6.39; p<0.001). Several patient-reported participation and quality-of-life measures also reported improvements from baseline through the 1-year follow-up. These findings are limited by the absence of blinded or controlled long-term comparisons, modest effect sizes of uncertain clinical significance, reliance on pooled and exploratory analyses, and incomplete follow-up influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, adherence to home-based therapy was variable and not directly monitored, and the study population was highly selected, limiting generalizability. Given the invasive nature of the intervention, the lack of evidence demonstrating durable superiority over rehabilitation alone, and the methodological limitations of the long-term analysis, the available evidence does not support a conclusion that VNS provides a clinically meaningful or necessary benefit in post-stroke rehabilitation.

Other Conditions:

The RESET-RA pivotal randomized trial evaluating VNS to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) reported on the results of a multicenter, double-blind, sham-controlled study (Tesser, 2025). Individuals with moderate-to-severe RA (n=242) were randomized to active or sham stimulation for 3 months, after which all individuals crossed over to open-label treatment. The study met its primary endpoint with a modest increase in the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) response at 3 months compared with sham (35.2% vs. 24.2%). At 12 months, following open-label stimulation, approximately half of study completers achieved an ACR20 response, with reported improvements in composite disease activity measures; however, these longer-term outcomes were derived without a concurrent control group, limiting conclusions regarding sustained efficacy attributable to VNS. The short, randomized phase, reliance on responder-based outcomes, and absence of long-term controlled comparisons limit interpretation of clinical benefit relative to established disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapies. Safety findings from Peterson (2024) indicate that implantation is feasible but associated with procedure-related risks, including vocal cord paresis and persistent hoarseness.

Gaylis (2025) published the results of an open-label extension study that followed individuals with multidrug-refractory RA for 36 months (n=14). Mean clinical disease activity index (CDAI) scores decreased from 36.8 (standard error of the mean [SEM] 5.6; n=14) at baseline to 15.0 (SEM 3.5; n=11) at 36 months, at which time 64% of individuals who completed follow-up achieved clinically meaningful improvement in disease activity. There were no reported serious device-related AEs. Limitations include the small sample size, open-label design, absence of a long-term control group, and limited generalizability due to the highly treatment-refractory population

In 2025, the FDA approved the SetPoint device (SetPoint Medical; Valencia, CA) as a treatment in adults with moderate-to-severe RA who have had inadequate response or intolerance to biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs, based primarily on the RESET-RA pivotal trial. Despite FDA approval, major specialty societies, including the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), do not currently include VNS in RA treatment guidelines. Given the chronic nature of RA, longer-term controlled studies are needed to better define durability, comparative effectiveness, and long-term safety.

Numerous small case series and retrospective studies of short duration have investigated implantable VNS therapy as treatment for essential tremor (Handforth, 2003), enhancing cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (Merrill, 2006), anxiety disorders (George, 2008), and bulimia. Other review articles and studies explore the potential use of VNS in the treatment of acute asthma exacerbation (Miner, 2012; Yuan, 2016), autism (Danielsson, 2008), addictions, coma, intractable hiccups (Payne, 2005; Tariq, 2021), pain syndromes (such as fibromyalgia) (Lange, 2011), obesity-related food cravings in individuals with chronic TRD (Bodenlos, 2007), sleep disorders (such as narcolepsy), memory and learning deficits (Ansari, 2007), severe refractory cluster or migraine headaches (Cecchini, 2009; Mauskop, 2005) or chronic heart failure (De Ferrari, 2011; Gold, 2016; Hauptman, 2012; Nearing, 2021; Premchand, 2014; Zannad, 2014). To date, the FDA has not cleared the use of any type of implantable VNS device for these indications. VNS has been evaluated as a treatment of a number of medical conditions beyond medically refractory seizures; however, such use is not considered in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice.

Closed Loop Systems

The automated stimulation function of a closed loop VNS model detects heart rate changes and automatically responds by sending a programmed stimulation to the vagus nerve. Cardiac signal changes may be used as a potential biomarker to indicate the ictal onset of epileptic seizures. Approximately 82% of individuals with epilepsy had at least one seizure associated with significant heart rate increases, which occur in the pre-ictal phase (Eggleston, 2014). The AspireSR or SenTiva devices were developed to take advantage of this extra-cerebral indicator of ictal onset and preemptively prevent seizures.

In 2015, the FDA approved the AspireSR generator, the first VNS Therapy System that provides responsive stimulation when tachycardia is detected. The AspireSR includes an autostimulation mode that utilizes a customizable cardiac algorithm to detect relative heart rate increases to predict ictal onset and deliver automatic vagus nerve stimulation to prevent seizures before they occur or more quickly end them when they do occur (closed loop system). The FDA approved the most recent implantable VNS therapy system, the SenTiva in October 2017. Like the AspireSR, the SenTiva device includes an autostimulation mode. The Sentiva also includes additional features such as small size, data gathering and a tablet-based interface. In addition to the autostimulation mode, both devices have a manual mode. Both devices are approved for use in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy aged 4 years and older.

While RCTs directly comparing conventional (“open loop”) devices to devices with an automatic stimulation mode (“closed loop”) have not been conducted, available evidence suggests that both devices are likely to produce at least equivalent therapeutic results (Boon, 2015; Hamilton, 2018; Tzadok, 2019). It is important to recognize that complete seizure freedom is rarely achieved using VNS therapy and that approximately 25% of individuals do not receive any benefit from therapy.

Non-Implantable Transcutaneous VNS (t-VNS or n-VNS)

A non-implantable VNS device requires no surgical procedure. Auricular t-VNS devices combine a stimulation unit and ear electrode to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve via skin over the concha of the ear. Another t-VNS device stimulates the cervical branch of the vagus nerve with a handheld device. Device users self-administer electric stimulation using prespecified device parameters agreed upon by the prescribing physician. Side effects of t-VNS are similar to those reported with an implantable VNS device, in addition to local skin irritation at the site of application.

Medically and Surgically Refractory Seizures

The safety and effectiveness of non-implantable, t-VNS therapy has been investigated for the treatment of individuals with chronic, drug-resistant epilepsy. He (2013) conducted a small pilot study of 14 children with intractable epilepsy using an auricular t-VNS device (TENS-200) for 24 weeks as an adjunct to their current medication regimen. The mean reduction in seizure frequency from baseline through week 8, weeks 9 through 16, and weeks 17 through 24 was 31.8%, 54.13%, and 54.2%, respectively. The investigators found no correlation between the therapeutic efficacy of t-VNS and baseline seizure frequency reduction. In addition, neither age, gender, nor seizure syndrome predicted response to the device. In terms of reported side effects, t-VNS was well tolerated and only 2 participants reported mild ulceration of the skin at the stimulation area. Limitations of this study include the small sample size and lack of a control group.

Stefan (2012) evaluated t-VNS therapy (using an unspecified CerboMed device) in a small case series of 10 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy. Stimulation via the auricular branch of the vagus nerve of the left tragus was delivered 3 times per day for 9 months. Subjective documentation of stimulation effects was obtained from self-reported seizure diaries. An assessment of seizure frequency was evaluated with prolonged outpatient video electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Other evaluations included computerized testing of cognitive, affective, and emotional functions. Three participants withdrew from the study with 5 of the remaining 7 participants reporting an overall reduction of seizure frequency after 9 months of t-VNS. A major discrepancy was noted, however, between subjective reports of seizure activity and quantified video-EEG in 2 participants. One participant reported a 37% reduction of seizure frequency (baseline: 21 seizures per week; average of months 7 to 9: 13.3 seizures per week) but an increase in seizures was recorded during outpatient video-EEG monitoring. A second participant reported a significant increase in simple partial seizures with subjective signs (baseline: 1.6 seizures per week; average of months 7 to 9: 4.2 per week), but no changes were seen on EEG recording. Non-implantable t-VNS was well-tolerated with side effects limited to hoarseness, headache or obstipation. Limitations of this study include the small sample size and lack of a randomized control group.

Aihua (2014) reported results from a case series of 60 individuals with pharmacoresistant epilepsy treated with a t-VNS device (TENS-200). A total of 60 participants were equally randomized to receive either stimulation over the earlobe (control group) or the Ramsay-Hunt zone, which includes the external auditory canal and the conchal cavity and is considered to be the somatic sensory territory of the vagus nerve. Four participants from the treatment group and 9 participants from the control group were excluded from analysis due to loss to follow-up (n=3, treatment group; n=2, control group); adverse effects (n=1, treatment group), or increase or lack of decrease in seizures or other reasons (n=7, control group). Compared with baseline, the median monthly seizure frequency in the treatment group was significantly reduced after 6 months (5.5 vs. 6.0; p<0.001) and 12 months (4.0 vs. 6.0; p<0.001) of t-VNS therapy. However, the median seizure frequency in the treatment group was not significantly lower than that in the control group until 12 months of treatment (4.0 vs. 8.0; p<0.001). Limitations of this study include the small sample size, potential for unblinding in the control group as participants brought the instruments home for daily use and may have realized that they were in sham stimulation, and the study focused on seizure frequency with no comparison of different seizure syndromes.

Shiozawa (2015) published the results of a systematic review of the peer-reviewed medical literature through 2013 evaluating the clinical utility of t-VNS and trigeminal nerve stimulation. Three t-VNS clinical trials assessed physiological features (that is, brain activation patterns and pain thresholds) in healthy volunteers, and one trial evaluated use in individuals with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. One study was a crossover design and the remaining trials were open-label studies. This analysis was limited in drawing conclusions due to lack of standardization of study design and small study populations (n=84).

Bauer (2016) performed a randomized, two-arm, parallel group, prospective, double-blind, controlled clinical trial (cMPsE02) at nine sites in Germany and one site in Austria to assess the efficacy and safety of t-VNS (using the NEMOS device) compared with control stimulation in individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Individuals were eligible for study participation if they had a history of greater than or equal to three focal and/or generalized seizures per month, not more than 21 consecutive seizure-free days, and on a stable regimen of less than or equal to three antiepileptic drugs for at least 5 weeks prior to study enrollment and maintained this drug regimen throughout the study. Following an 8-week baseline period during which seizure rate was self-documented in a diary, 76 participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to treatment with either active t-VNS (that is, 25 Hz stimulation frequency, 250 μs pulse width, 30 s on/30 s off) or low level (active control, 1 Hz stimulation frequency, 250 μs pulse width, 30 s on/30 s off) t-VNS for 4 hours daily for 20 weeks. Two baseline visits (weeks 0 and 4) and 7 treatment visits (weeks 8, 9, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28) were performed. The primary objective was to demonstrate superiority of add-on therapy with t-VNS (stimulation frequency 25 Hz, n=39) compared to active control (1 Hz, n=37) in reducing seizure frequency over 20 weeks. The investigators reported that treatment adherence was 84% in the 1 Hz group and 88% in the 25 Hz group, respectively. A total of 58 participants (76%) completed the study; 8 participants in the 1 Hz group and 10 participants in the 25 Hz group prematurely discontinued the study. The mean seizure reduction per 28 days at end of treatment as compared to baseline was -2.9% in the 1 Hz group and 23.4% in the 25 Hz group (p=0.146). For those individuals in the 25 Hz group who completed the full treatment period, a significant reduction in seizure frequency occurred in comparison to the control group (20 weeks; n=26, 34.2%; p=0.034). Responder rates (25%, 50%) were similar in both groups. On subgroup analyses, no significant differences were reported for seizure type and baseline seizure frequency. Any self-reported AEs were mild or moderate and consisted of headache, ear pain, application site erythema, vertigo, fatigue, and nausea. Four serious AEs were reported, including one sudden unexplained death in the 1 Hz group which was assessed as not treatment related. According to the investigators, the most relevant limitation of this study is that stimulation intensity was significantly higher in the 1 Hz group as compared to the 25 Hz group, “which may have reduced the difference in treatment efficacy between both groups.” Approximately one-third of study participants were not on any anticonvulsant medication, which is an unusually high rate and may limit generalizability of the results. Finally, the collection of data in self-maintained participant diaries may limit the accuracy of seizure quantification by some participants.

Non-implantable VNS devices have been developed to transcutaneously stimulate the vagus nerve for the treatment of conditions including epilepsy, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, impaired glucose tolerance, schizophrenia, and tinnitus. One device, the transcutaneous VNS System (t-VNS^®) with NEMOS^® (CerboMed GmbH, Erlangen, Germany) received European clearance (CE mark) in 2011 for treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. This device uses a combined stimulation unit and ear electrode to stimulate the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which supplies the skin over the concha of the ear. Device users self-administer electrical stimulation for several hours a day; no surgical procedure is required. The device has not received FDA 510(k) clearance for use in the United States. Other studied transcutaneously applied auricular VNS devices include, but are not limited to, the TENS-200 and TENS-220 (Hua Tuo, Suzhou, China) and the Tinnoff Profiler (Tinnoff, Inc., Helsinki, Finland). To date, the FDA has not cleared or approved any non-implantable t-VNS device for use in the treatment of any conditions other than headaches or migraines.

Other Conditions

Li (2025) evaluated the use of t-VNS to treat erythematotelangiectatic rosacea in a single-center, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. A total of 72 adults with moderate to severe erythematotelangiectatic rosacea received either t-VNS or sham stimulation for 3 weeks, with follow-up to 24 weeks. The t-VNS group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in erythema and multiple patient-reported symptoms compared with sham. The study was limited by small sample size, single-center design, short treatment duration, reliance on subjective outcomes, and potential expectancy bias. No evidence was provided demonstrating superiority to established therapies. There is no FDA approved t-VNS device for this condition.

While t-VNS has primarily been studied as a potential therapy of pharmacoresistant epilepsy, t-VNS therapy has been evaluated for a number of other conditions including schizophrenia, tinnitus, impaired glucose tolerance and heart failure (Hasan, 2015; Huang, 2014; Kreuzer, 2014; Lehtimaki, 2014; Li, 2022; Stavrakis, 2020). The results of these limited studies have not changed the standard of care, which does not currently include t-VNS as an appropriate therapy for any of these conditions.

Focal seizure: A seizure that begins with an electrical discharge in a relatively small area (called the focus) of the brain; previously referred to as a partial or localization-related seizure. In most cases, the cause is unknown, but may be related to a brain infection, head injury, stroke, or a brain tumor.

International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD): Classification and diagnostic criteria of headache disorders published by the International Headache Society (IHS) and incorporated into the 10^th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10).

Medically refractory seizures: Seizures that occur despite treatment with therapeutic levels of antiepileptic drugs or seizures that cannot be treated with therapeutic levels of antiepileptic drugs because of intolerable adverse side effects.

Migraine headache: A vascular headache believed to be caused by blood flow changes and certain chemical changes in the brain leading to a cascade of events that include constriction of arteries supplying blood to the brain that result in severe head pain, stomach upset, and visual disturbances.

Refractory depression: A major depressive disorder that fails to demonstrate an adequate response to an adequate treatment trial of antidepressant medications (for example, sufficient intensity of treatment for sufficient duration); also referred to as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Potential factors contributing to apparent non-response include trial adequacy, individual compliance, differential diagnosis, and treatable comorbid conditions.

Vagus nerve: A nerve that controls both motor and sensory functions of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and larynx; also referred to as the 10^th cranial nerve.

Peer Reviewed Publications:

1. Aaronson ST, Carpenter LL, Conway CR, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation therapy randomized to different amounts of electrical charge for treatment-resistant depression: acute and chronic effects. Brain Stimul. 2013; 6(4):631-640.
2. Aaronson ST, Sears P, Ruvuna F, et al. A 5-year observational study of patients with treatment-resistant depression treated with vagus nerve stimulation or treatment as usual: comparison of response, remission, and suicidality. Am J Psychiatry. 2017; 174(7):640-648.
3. Alexopoulos AV, Kotagal P, Loddenkemper T, et al. Long-term results with vagus nerve stimulation in children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Seizure. 2006; 15(7):491-503.
4. Ansari S, Chaudhri K, Al Moutaery K. Vagus nerve stimulation: indications and limitations. Acta Neurochir Supp. 2007; 97(2):281-286.
5. Bajbouj M, Merkl A, Schlaepfer TE, et al. Two-year outcome of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010; 30(3):273-281.
6. Benifla M, Rutka JT, Logan W, Donner EJ. Vagal nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy in children: indications and experience at The Hospital for Sick Children. Childs Nerv Syst. 2006; 22(8):1018-1026.
7. Bodenlos JS, Kose S, Borckardt JJ, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation acutely alters food craving in adults with depression. Appetite. 2007; 48(2):145-153.
8. Boon P, Vonck K, van Rijckevorsel K, et al. A prospective, multicenter study of cardiac-based seizure detection to activate vagus nerve stimulation. Seizure. 2015; 32:52-61.
9. Cecchini AP, Mea E, Tullo V, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in drug-resistant daily chronic migraine with depression: preliminary data. Neurol Sci. 2009; 30(Suppl 1):S101-S104.
10. Conway CR, Aaronson ST, Sackeim HA, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: a one-year, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Brain Stimul. 2025; 18(3):676-689.
11. Conway CR, Rush AJ, Aaronson ST, et al. Durability of the benefit of vagus nerve stimulation in markedly treatment-resistant major depression: a RECOVER trial report. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2026; 29(1):pyaf080.
12. Coykendall DS, Gauderer MW, Blouin RR, Morales A. Vagus nerve stimulation for the management of seizures in children: an 8-year experience. J Pediatr Surg. 2010; 45(7):1479-1483.
13. Cramer SW, McGovern RA, Chen CC, Park MC. Clinical benefit of vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: assessment of randomized controlled trials and prospective non-randomized studies. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis. 2023; 15:11795735231151830.
14. Cristancho P, Cristancho MA, Baltuch GH, et al. Effectiveness and safety of vagus nerve stimulation for severe treatment-resistant major depression in clinical practice after FDA approval: outcomes at 1 year. J Clin Psychiatry. 2011; 72(10):1376-1382.
15. Danielsson S, Viggedal G, Gillberg C, Olsson I. Lack of effects of vagus nerve stimulation on drug-resistant epilepsy in eight pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorders: a prospective 2-year follow-up study. Epilepsy Behav. 2008; 12(2):298-304.
16. Dawson J, Engineer ND, Prudente CN, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke: one-year follow-up. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2020; 34(7):609-615.
17. Dawson J, Liu CY, Francisco GE, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischaemic stroke (VNS-REHAB): a randomised, blinded, pivotal, device trial. Lancet. 2021; 397(10284):1545-1553.
18. Dawson J, Pierce D, Dixit A, et al. Safety, feasibility, and efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper-limb rehabilitation after ischemic stroke. Stroke. 2016; 47(1):143-150.
19. De Ferrari GM, Crijns HJ, Borggrefe M, et al. Chronic vagus nerve stimulation: a new and promising therapeutic approach for chronic heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2011; 32(7):847-855.
20. De Herdt V, Boon P, Ceulemans B, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for refractory epilepsy: a Belgian multicenter study. Eur J Paediatr Neurol. 2007; 11(5):261-269.
21. Dewar SR, Pieters HC. Perceptions of epilepsy surgery: a systematic review and an explanatory model of decision-making. Epilepsy Behav. 2015; 44:171-178.
22. Dewar SR, Pieters HC, Fried I. Surgical decision-making for temporal lobe epilepsy: patient experiences of the informed consent process. Front Neurol. 2021; 12:780306.
23. Eggleston KS, Olin BD, Fisher RS. Ictal tachycardia: the head-heart connection. Seizure. 2014; 23(7):496-505.
24. Elliott RE, Morsi A, Geller EB, et al. Impact of failed intracranial epilepsy surgery on the effectiveness of subsequent vagus nerve stimulation. Neurosurgery. 2011a; 69(6):1210-1217.
25. Elliott RE, Morsi A, Kalhorn SP, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in 436 consecutive patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy: long-term outcomes and predictors of response. Epilepsy Behav. 2011b; 20(1):57-63.
26. Elliott RE, Rodgers, SD, Bassani, L, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy: a consecutive series of 141 cases. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2011c; 7(5):491-450.
27. Englot DJ, Chang EF, Auguste KI. Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: a meta-analysis of efficacy and predictors of response. J Neurosurg. 2011; 115(6):1248-1255.
28. Fisher RS, Afra P, Macken M, et al. Automatic vagus nerve stimulation triggered by ictal tachycardia: clinical outcomes and device performance--the U.S. E-37 Trial. Neuromodulation. 2016; 19(2):188-195.
29. Forde IC, Mansukhani MP, Kolla BP, Kotagal S. A potential novel mechanism for vagus nerve stimulator-related central sleep apnea. Children (Basel). 2017; 4(10).
30. Francisco GE, Engineer ND, Dawson J, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke: 2- and 3-year follow-up from the pilot study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023; 104(8):1180-1187.
31. Fugl-Meyer AR, Jääskö L, Leyman I, et al. The post-stroke hemiplegic patient. 1. a method for evaluation of physical performance. Scand J Rehabil Med. 1975;7(1):13-31.
32. Gaylis NB, Sikes D, Kivitz A, et al. Neuroimmune modulation for drug-refractory rheumatoid arthritis: long-term safety and efficacy in patients enrolled in a pilot vagus nerve stimulation study. Rheumatol Ther. 2025; 12(6):1125-1136.
33. George MS, Nahas Z, Borckardt JJ, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Expert Rev Neurotherapeutics. 2007; 7(1):63-74.
34. George MS, Rush AJ, Marangell LB, et al. A one-year comparison of vagus nerve stimulation with treatment as usual for treatment-resistant depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2005; 58(5):364-375.
35. Ghaemi K, Elsharkawy AE, Schulz R, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation: outcome and predictors of seizure freedom in long-term follow-up. Seizure. 2010; 19(5):264-268.
36. Giordano F, Zicca A, Barba C, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation: surgical technique of implantation and revision and related morbidity. Epilepsia. 2017; 58 Suppl 1:85-90.
37. Gold MR, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Hauptman PJ, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of heart failure: the INOVATE-HF trial. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016; 68(2):149-158.
38. Hamilton P, Soryal I, Dhahri P, et al. Clinical outcomes of VNS therapy with AspireSR(^®) (including cardiac-based seizure detection) at a large complex epilepsy and surgery centre. Seizure. 2018; 58:120-126.
39. Hampel KG, Vatter H, Elger CE, Surges R. Cardiac-based vagus nerve stimulation reduced seizure duration in a patient with refractory epilepsy. Seizure. 2015; 26:81-85.
40. Handforth A, Ondo WG, Tatter S, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for essential tremor: a pilot efficacy and safety trial. Neurology. 2003; 61(10):1401-1405.
41. Hauptman PJ, Schwartz PJ, Gold MR, et al. Rationale and study design of the increase of vagal tone in heart failure study: INOVATE-HF. Am Heart J. 2012; 163(6):954-962.
42. Healy S, Lang J, Te Water Naude J, et al. Vagal nerve stimulation in children under 12 years old with medically intractable epilepsy. Childs Nerv Syst. 2013; 29(11):2095-2099.
43. Hsueh IP, Hsu MJ, Sheu CF, et al. Psychometric comparisons of 2 versions of the Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale and 2 versions of the Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement. Neurorehabil Neural Repair. 2008; 22(6):737-744.
44. Jaseja H. Vagal nerve stimulation: exploring its efficacy and success for an improved prognosis and quality of life in cerebral palsy patients. Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2008; 110(8):755-762.
45. Kabir SM, Rajaraman C, Rittey C, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in children with intractable epilepsy: indications, complications and outcome. Childs Nerv Syst. 2009; 25(9):1097-1100.
46. Kimberley TJ, Cramer SC, Wolf SL, et al.; VNS-REHAB Trial Group. Long-term outcomes of vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper extremity rehabilitation after stroke. Stroke. 2025; 56(8):2255-2265.
47. Kimberley TJ, Pierce D, Prudente CN, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation paired with upper limb rehabilitation after chronic stroke. Stroke. 2018; 49(11):2789-2792.
48. Klinkenberg S, Aalbers MW, Vles JS, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in children with intractable epilepsy: a randomized controlled trial. Dev Med Child Neurol. 2012; 54(9):855-861.
49. Kostov H, Larsson PG, Roste GK. Is vagus nerve stimulation a treatment option for patients with drug-resistant idiopathic generalized epilepsy? Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 2007; 187:55-58.
50. Kostov K, Kostov H, Taubøll E. Long-term vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsy Behav. 2009; 16(2):321-324.
51. Lange G, Janal MN, Maniker A, et al. Safety and efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation in fibromyalgia: a phase I/II proof of concept trial. Pain Med. 2011; 12(9):1406-1413.
52. Li J, Wei J, Zhang M, et al. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation treatment for erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2025; 161(12):1229-1237.
53. Marangell LB, Rush AJ, George MS, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for major depressive episodes: one-year outcomes. Biol Psychiatry. 2002; 51(4):280-287.
54. Mauskop A. Vagus nerve stimulation relieves chronic refractory migraine and cluster headaches. Cephalgia. 2005; 25(2):82-86.
55. Merrill CA, Jonsson MAG, Minthon L, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: additional follow-up results of a pilot study through one year. J Clin Psychiatry. 2006; 67(1):1171-1178.
56. Miner JR, Lewis LM, Mosnaim GS, et al. Feasibility of percutaneous vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of acute asthma exacerbations. Acad Emerg Med. 2012; 19(4):421-429.
57. Morris GL, Meuller WM. Long term treatment with vagus nerve stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy. Neurology. 1999; 53(8):1731-1735.
58. Murphy JV. Left vagal nerve stimulation in children with medically refractory epilepsy. J Pediat. 1999; (5)134:563-566.
59. Nahas Z, Marangell LB, Hussain MM, et al. Two year outcome of VNS for treatment of major depressive episodes. J Clin Psychiatry. 2005; 66(9):1097-1104.
60. Nearing BD, Libbus I, Carlson GM, et al. Chronic vagus nerve stimulation is associated with multi-year improvement in intrinsic heart rate recovery and left ventricular ejection fraction in ANTHEM-HF. Clin Auton Res. 2021; 31(3):453-462.
61. Orosz I, McCormick D, Zamponi N, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy: a European longterm study up to 24 months in 347 children. Epilepsia. 2014; 55(10):1576-1584.
62. Payne BR, Tiel RL, Payne MS, Fisch B. Vagus nerve stimulation for chronic intractable hiccups. Case report. J Neurosurg. 2005; 102(5):935-937.
63. Peterson D, Van Poppel M, Boling W, et al. Clinical safety and feasibility of a novel implantable neuroimmune modulation device for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: initial results from the randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled RESET-RA study. Bioelectron Med. 2024; 10(1):8.
64. Premchand RK, Sharma K, Mittal S, et al. Autonomic regulation therapy via left or right cervical vagus nerve stimulation in patients with chronic heart failure: results of the ANTHEM-HF trial. J Card Fail. 2014; 20(11):808-816.
65. Rush AJ, Conway CR, Aaronson ST, et al. Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on daily function and quality of life in markedly treatment-resistant major depression: findings from a one-year, randomized, sham-controlled trial. Brain Stimul. 2025; 18(3):690-700.
66. Rush AJ, George MS, Sackeim HA, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant depression: a multicenter study. Biol Psychiatry. 2000; 47(4):276-286.
67. Rush AJ, Marangell LB, Sackeim HA, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: a randomized controlled acute phase trial. Biol Psychiatry. 2005a; 58(5):347-354.
68. Rush AJ, Sackeim HA, Marangell LB, et al. Effects of 12 months of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment-resistant depression: a naturalistic study. Biol Psychiatry. 2005b; 58(5):355-363.
69. Rush AJ, Siefert SE. Clinical issues in considering vagus nerve stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. Exp Neurol. 2009; 219(1):36-43.
70. Rush AJ, Trivedi MH, Wisniewski SR, et al. Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: a STAR*D Report. Am J Psychiatry. 2006; 163(11):1905-1917.
71. Ryvlin P, Gilliam FG, Nguyen DK, et al. The long-term effect of vagus nerve stimulation on quality of life in patients with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy: the PuLsE (Open Prospective Randomized Long-term Effectiveness) trial. Epilepsia. 2014; 55(6):893-900.
72. Sackeim HA, Brannan SK, Rush J, et al. Durability of antidepressant response to vagus nerve stimulation (VNS^™). Int J Neuropsychopharmacology. 2007; 10(6):817-826.
73. Sackeim HA, Rush AJ, George MS, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant depression; efficacy, side effects and predictors of outcome. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2001; 25(5):713-728.
74. Samanta D, Ostendorf AP, Willis E, et al. Underutilization of epilepsy surgery: part I: a scoping review of barriers. Epilepsy Behav. 2021; 117:107837.
75. Schlaepfer TE, Frick C, Zobel A, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation for depression: efficacy and safety in a European study. Psychol Med. 2008; 38(5):651-661.
76. Shahid J, Kashif A, Shahid MK. A comprehensive review of physical therapy interventions for stroke rehabilitation: impairment-based approaches and functional goals. Brain Sci. 2023; 13(5):717.
77. Shi C, Flanagan SR, Samadani U. Vagus nerve stimulation to augment recovery from severe traumatic brain injury impeding consciousness: a prospective pilot clinical trial. Neurol Res. 2013; 35(3):263-276.
78. Siddiqui F, Herial NA, Ali II. Cumulative effect of vagus nerve stimulators on intractable seizures observed over a period of 3 years. Epilepsy Behav. 2010; 18(3):299-302.
79. Simpson HD, Schulze-Bonhage A, Cascino GD, et al. Practical considerations in epilepsy neurostimulation. Epilepsia. 2022; 63(10):2445-2460.
80. Sinha SR, Yang JC, Wallace MJ, et al. Patient preferences pertaining to treatment options for drug-resistant focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2022; 127:108529.
81. Stavrakis S, Elkholey K, Morris L, et al. Neuromodulation of inflammation to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a pilot randomized clinical trial. J Am Heart Assoc. 2022; 11(3):e023582.
82. Tariq K, Das JM, Monaghan S, et al. A case report of vagus nerve stimulation for intractable hiccups. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2021; 78:219-222.
83. Tassorelli C, Grazzi L, de Tommaso M, et al. Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation as acute therapy for migraine: the randomized PRESTO study. Neurology. 2018; 91(4):e364-e373.
84. Tecoma ES, Iragui VJ. Vagus nerve stimulation use and effect in epilepsy: what have we learned? Epilepsy Behav. 2006; 8(1):127-136.
85. Tesser JRP, Crowley AR, Box EJ, et al. Vagus nerve-mediated neuroimmune modulation for rheumatoid arthritis: a pivotal randomized controlled trial. Nat Med. 2026; 32(1):369-378.
86. Thijs RD, Surges R, O'Brien TJ, Sander JW. Epilepsy in adults. Lancet. 2019; 393(10172):689-701.
87. Tzadok M, Harush A, Nissenkorn A, et al. Clinical outcomes of closed-loop vagal nerve stimulation in patients with refractory epilepsy. Seizure. 2019; 71:140-144.
88. Vale FL, Ahmadian A, Youssef AS, et al. Long-term outcome of vagus nerve stimulation therapy after failed epilepsy surgery. Seizure. 2011; 20(3):244-248.
89. You SJ, Kang HC, Kim HD, et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in intractable childhood epilepsy: a Korean multicenter experience. J Korean Med Sci. 2007; 22(3):442-445.
90. You SJ, Kang HC, Ko TS, et al. Comparison of corpus callosotomy and vagus nerve stimulation in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Brain Dev. 2008; 30(3):195-199.
91. Yu C, Ramgopal S, Libenson M, et al. Outcomes of vagal nerve stimulation in a pediatric population: a single center experience. Seizure. 2014; 23(2):105-111.
92. Yuan H, Silberstein SD. Vagus nerve and vagus nerve stimulation, a comprehensive review: part III. Headache. 2016; 56(3):479-490.
93. Zambrelli E, Saibene AM, Furia F, et al. Laryngeal motility alteration: a missing link between sleep apnea and vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy. Epilepsia. 2016; 57(1):e24-e27.
94. Zannad F, De Ferrari GM, Tuinenburg AE, et al. Chronic vagal stimulation for the treatment of low ejection fraction heart failure: results of the NEural Cardiac TherApy foR Heart Failure (NECTAR-HF) randomized controlled trial. Eur Heart J. 2015; 36(7):425-433.

Government Agency, Medical Society, and Other Authoritative Publications:

1. American Psychological Association (APA). APA clinical practice guideline for the treatment of depression across three age cohorts. Approved February 2019. Available at: https://www.apa.org/depression-guideline/guideline.pdf. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
2. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). National coverage determinations. Vagus nerve stimulation. NCD #160.18. Effective February 15, 2019. Available at: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?ncdid=230&ncdver=3&bc=0. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
3. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) / Department of Defense (DoD). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of major depressive disorder V4.0. 2022, Available at: https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/mdd/VADODMDDCPGFinal508.pdf. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
4. Harden C, Tomson T, Gloss D, et al. Practice guideline summary. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy incidence rates and risk factors: report of the guideline development, dissemination, and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Epilepsy Curr. 2017; 17(3):180-187.
5. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS). The international classification of headache disorders, 3^rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia. 2013; 33(9):629-808.
6. LivaNova. A prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled blinded trial demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of VNS Therapy^® System as adjunctive therapy versus a no stimulation control in subjects with treatment-resistant depression. NLM Identifier: NCT03887715. Last updated on November 10, 2025. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03887715#study-overview. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
7. Morris GL III, Gloss D, Buchhalter J, et al. Evidence-based guideline update: vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy: report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. 2013; 81(16):1453-1459. Reaffirmed July 16, 2022.
8. Panebianco M, Rigby A, Weston J, Marson AG. Vagus nerve stimulation for partial seizures. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015;(2):CD002896.
9. Robbins MS, Starling AJ, Pringsheim TM, et al. Treatment of cluster headache: the American Headache Society evidence-based guidelines. Headache. 2016; 56(7):1093-1106.
10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accessed on January 23, 2026.
    • Premarket Approval. SetPoint System. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpma/pma.cfm?id=P240039.
    • Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data. Vivistim System. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf21/P210007B.pdf
    • Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data. VNS Therapy System. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/p970003s207b.pdf.

1. American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Available at: http://www.aan.com/. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
2. American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). Vagus Nerve Stimulation. April 9, 2024. Available at: https://www.aans.org/patients/conditions-treatments/vagus-nerve-stimulation/. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
3. American Psychiatric Association (APA). What is depression? Reviewed April 2024. Available at: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression. Accessed on January 24 2026.
4. Epilepsy Foundation. Treatment. Available at: https://www.epilepsy.com/treatment. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Disorder index. NINDS information pages. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders. Accessed on January 24, 2026.
   • Epilepsy and Seizures.
   • Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

AspireSR Model 106
CardioFit
Sentiva Model 100
Vivistim
VNS Therapy

The use of specific product names is illustrative only. It is not intended to be a recommendation of one product over another, and is not intended to represent a complete listing of all products available.

Federal and State law, as well as contract language, and Coverage Guidelines take precedence over Clinical UM Guidelines. We reserve the right to review and update Clinical UM Guidelines periodically. Clinical guidelines approved by the Medical Policy & Technology Assessment Committee are available for general adoption by plans or lines of business for consistent review of the medical necessity of services related to the clinical guideline when the plan performs utilization review for the subject. Due to variances in utilization patterns, each plan may choose whether to adopt a particular Clinical UM Guideline. To determine if review is required for this Clinical UM Guideline, please contact the customer service number on the member's card.

Alternatively, commercial or FEP plans or lines of business which determine there is not a need to adopt the guideline to review services generally across all providers delivering services to Plan’s or line of business’s members may instead use the clinical guideline for provider education and/or to review the medical necessity of services for any provider who has been notified that his/her/its claims will be reviewed for medical necessity due to billing practices or claims that are not consistent with other providers, in terms of frequency or in some other manner.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without permission from the health plan.

© CPT Only – American Medical Association