Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that involves the application of electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, a major neural pathway connecting the brain to various organs. tVNS is typically administered using specialized devices that deliver low-frequency electrical pulses to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, located in the outer ear. By strategically placing electrodes on the ear, tVNS targets the sensory afferent fibers of the vagus nerve, which convey information from the body to the brain.

These electrical impulses travel along the vagus nerve to reach the brainstem and then project to various brain regions, including the locus coeruleus, nucleus tractus solitarius, and other areas associated with autonomic functions and mood regulation. The precise mechanisms by which tVNS exerts its effects are still under investigation, but it is believed to modulate autonomic nervous system activity, influence inflammation pathways, and enhance neural plasticity.

tVNS has gained attention for its potential therapeutic applications, including the treatment of depression, epilepsy, and chronic pain, as well as its role in enhancing cognitive and memory functions. This non-invasive neuromodulation technique shows promise in both neuroscience research and clinical settings, offering a novel approach to understanding and modulating neural processes.