Condition · Evidence Hub
Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Traumatic Brain Injury
Does vagus nerve stimulation help with traumatic brain injury? 9 human studies have investigated VNS for traumatic brain injury, including 2 systematic reviews, 4 controlled trials, and 1 observational study, published between 2012 and 2025, with 5 published since 2022. Studies use implanted (iVNS) and transcutaneous cervical (tcVNS) stimulation. Findings vary by study design and population; the studies below are ranked by evidence strength so you can weigh the research directly.
2 systematic reviews · 4 controlled trials · 1 observational study · 2 narrative reviews
Evidence by Tier
strongest → weakest
- 2Systematic reviews & meta-analyses
- 4Controlled clinical trials
- 1Observational & cohort studies
- 2Narrative & scoping reviews
Stimulation Method
- 7iVNS
- 2tcVNS
Research Momentum
5 of 9 studies (56%) published since 2022 — an actively growing evidence base.
The studies
9 studies · strongest evidence firstNeurorehabilitation with vagus nerve stimulation: a systematic review
Korupolu et al. · Frontiers in neurology · 2024
systematic reviewsiVNSEffects and neuroprotective mechanisms of vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive impairment with traumatic brain injury in animal studies: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Zhang et al. · Frontiers in neurology · 2022
systematic reviewsiVNSTranscutaneous Cervical Vagus Nerve Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Feasibility Study
Zhang et al. · Neuromodulation : journal of the International Neuromodulation Society · 2024
controlled trialstcVNSVagus Nerve Stimulation Attenuates Early Traumatic Brain Injury by Regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Tang et al. · Neurorehabilitation and neural repair · 2020
controlled trialsiVNSVagus nerve stimulation to augment recovery from severe traumatic brain injury impeding consciousness: a prospective pilot clinical trial
Shi et al. · Neurological research · 2013
controlled trialsiVNSVagal nerve stimulation decreases blood-brain barrier disruption after traumatic brain injury
Lopez et al. · The journal of trauma and acute care surgery · 2012
controlled trialsiVNSNon-invasive vagus nerve stimulation is associated with the reduction in persistent post-concussion symptoms: an observational study
Ament et al. · Frontiers in Neurology · 2025 · n = 102
observational studiestcVNSPotential roles of vagus nerve stimulation on traumatic brain injury: Evidence from in vivo and clinical studies
Srihagulang et al. · Experimental neurology · 2022
narrative reviewsiVNSThe role of vagus nerve overactivity in the increased incidence of pneumonia following traumatic brain injury
Hall et al. · British journal of neurosurgery · 2014
narrative reviewsiVNS
Registered trials — results pending
1 registered protocol with no published results yet. Listed for context; not counted in the evidence total.
Electrical stimulation methods and protocols for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: a critical review of preclinical research
Ziesel et al. · 2023 · protocol