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. 2012;3(Suppl 4):S255-9.
doi: 10.4103/2152-7806.103015. Epub 2012 Oct 31.

Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: A review of central mechanisms

Scott E Krahl  1 , Kevin B Clark
Affiliations

Vagus nerve stimulation for epilepsy: A review of central mechanisms

Scott E Krahl et al. Surg Neurol Int. 2012.

Abstract

In a previous paper, the anatomy and physiology of the vagus nerve was discussed in an attempt to explain which vagus nerve fibers and branches are affected by clinically relevant electrical stimulation. This companion paper presents some of vagus nerve stimulation's putative central nervous system mechanisms of action by summarizing known anatomical projections of vagal afferents and their effects on brain biogenic amine pathways and seizure expression.

Keywords: Locus coeruleus; norepinephrine; raphe nuclei; seizures; serotonin; vagus nerve stimulation.

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