Depression

Surgery

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implant for treatment of depression. This device is used when other treatments for depression have not worked.

A generator the size of a pocket watch is placed in the chest. Wires go up the neck from the generator to the vagus nerve. The generator sends tiny electric shocks through the vagus nerve to that part of the brain that is believed to play a role in mood.

How well the VNS implant works has not been well studied and the device is expensive.¹³

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jeannette Curtis Ralph Poore	Last Updated: March 21, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.