Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 3, 2026
09:35
Subcutaneous Trigeminal Nerve Field Stimulation for Refractory Facial Pain
Published on: May 10, 2017
19.6K
Vagus nerve stimulation modulates the cranial trigeminal autonomic reflex
Maike Möller1, Celina F Schroeder1, Arne May1
1Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Annals of Neurology
|October 27, 2018
Summary
Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) significantly reduced tearing in healthy volunteers by modulating the trigeminal autonomic reflex. This finding suggests nVNS may help treat headache syndromes linked to this reflex.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Headache Research
Background:
- The trigeminal autonomic reflex is implicated in primary headache disorders.
- Noninvasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) is being investigated as a potential modulator of this reflex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of cervical nVNS on the trigeminal autonomic reflex.
- To assess nVNS's ability to modulate reflex-induced lacrimation.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-two healthy volunteers participated in the study.
- Kinetic oscillation stimulation (KOS) of the left nostril was used to trigger the trigeminal autonomic reflex.
- Lacrimation was measured using the Schirmer II test following nVNS, sham stimulation, or no stimulation.
Main Results:
- Cervical nVNS significantly reduced ipsilateral lacrimation compared to both no stimulation and sham stimulation (p < 0.030).
- A bilateral reduction in provoked lacrimation was observed with nVNS.
- No significant increase in contralateral lacrimation was noted for nVNS compared to sham or no stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Cervical nVNS effectively reduces provoked lacrimation bilaterally.
- The mechanism may involve direct neural activation or central modulation via the hypothalamus.
- nVNS shows potential as a therapeutic tool for headache syndromes involving the trigeminal autonomic reflex.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
5.2K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
5.2K
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
4.9K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
4.9K
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
4.7K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
4.7K
01:23Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
2.1K
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.1K
01:08Reflex Activity
3.2K
A reflex activity is an automatic, involuntary response to specific stimuli. It is a part of our survival mechanism, designed to protect us from potential harm. For example, when a bright light suddenly shines into our eyes, we instinctively close them or look away. This is a simple reflex activity orchestrated by the nervous system without conscious thought or effort.
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
A reflex exam is a diagnostic procedure performed by a healthcare professional to evaluate the functionality of a patient's...
3.2K
01:26The Micturition Reflex
2.7K
Urination, or micturition involves the coordination of the bladder's detrusor muscle and two sphincters to ensure controlled bladder emptying.
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
The process begins with bladder filling, where the bladder wall stretches as urine accumulates. This stretching activates the urine storage reflex, mediated by the sacral spinal segments and the pontine storage center. Efferent sympathetic impulses stimulate the detrusor muscle to relax and the internal urethral sphincter to contract, facilitating...
2.7K