VNS for Long-COVID
Using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) to manage long-COVID symptoms in females.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0049017224000957
Study Summary
This pilot study investigated the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (t-VNS) on Long COVID symptoms in women. Twenty-four participants with Long COVID used a t-VNS device at home for 10 days. The study found that t-VNS led to significant improvements in cognitive function, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. There was a delayed but significant impact of t-VNS on fatigue.
Key Findings
Improved Cognitive Function: Participants showed significant improvements in various cognitive domains, including attention, memory, and executive function, after the t-VNS intervention.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: t-VNS significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in the participants.
Enhanced Sleep Quality: Participants reported improved sleep quality, including better sleep efficiency and reduced sleep disturbances.
Sustained Benefits: The improvements in cognitive function, anxiety, depression, and sleep were largely maintained or even continued to improve at the 1-month follow-up.
Why It Matters
This study is relevant to chronic condition management because it explores a potential non-invasive treatment option for Long COVID, a condition with a wide range of debilitating symptoms. It suggests that t-VNS may be a valuable tool for improving cognitive and mental health in individuals with Long COVID.
What This Means for Managing Symptoms
Cognitive Rehabilitation: As an occupational therapist, I often work with clients on cognitive rehabilitation. This study suggests that t-VNS could be a useful adjunct to traditional cognitive rehabilitation approaches.
Mental Health: OTs address mental health concerns as they impact daily functioning. This study highlights t-VNS as a potential tool to incorporate into mental health interventions.
Sleep Hygiene: Sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. This study suggests t-VNS may be beneficial for improving sleep quality, which aligns with OT's focus on sleep hygiene.
Combine with Other Strategies: t-VNS may be most effective when combined with other self-management strategies, such as cognitive rehabilitation, stress management techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Citation
Zheng, Z. S., Simonian, N., Wang, J., & Rosario, E. R. (2024). Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation improves Long COVID symptoms in a female cohort: A pilot study. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1393371. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1393371