Laterality Matters: The Biological Impact of Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Fibromyalgia
A randomized, sham-controlled trial investigated whether the side of stimulation (left vs. right) for auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) differentially affects clinical and biological outcomes in women with fibromyalgia. While the primary outcome of pain intensity did not show significant between-group differences, left-sided stimulation (aVNS-L) was associated with a modest reduction in global symptom severity. Crucially, aVNS-L produced distinct immunomodulatory effects, including decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10, alongside elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Why it might matter to you: For critical care professionals managing complex pain and systemic inflammation, this study highlights the potential for targeted neuromodulation to influence specific biological pathways. The finding that stimulation laterality can shape the immune and neuroplasticity response, even without dramatic pain relief, suggests a novel approach to adjunctive therapy. This could inform future research into non-pharmacological interventions for conditions in the ICU where inflammation and central sensitization play a role, potentially offering a new tool to modulate the body’s stress and inflammatory response.
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