Parkinson's Disease Study Finds Vagus Nerve Stimulation Potential, But Larger Trials Needed

Strategic Insights -

Current study results on neurodegenerative diseases and conditions, specifically Parkinson's Disease, have been published, providing new insights into potential treatments. Researchers at Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust conducted a double-blind, randomised sham-controlled proof-of-concept study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and safety of home-based transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study included 33 participants who received either active or sham tcVNS and self-administered two stimulations twice daily for 12 weeks, followed by a 24-week post-intervention follow-up.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, adherence, and safety of home-based tcVNS in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
  • Thirty-three participants with Parkinson's disease were randomised to either active (n = 16) or sham (n = 17) tcVNS and self-administered two stimulations twice daily for 12 weeks.
  • The study had a high retention rate of 93.9%, with only two participants withdrawing from the sham group for reasons unrelated to the intervention.
  • Mild adverse events led to discontinuation of tcVNS use in three active and two sham participants.
  • tcVNS had minimal effects on gait and cognition, although small, non-significant improvements in step length variability were observed.
  • The study represents the longest tcVNS intervention trial in Parkinson's disease to date and supports the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of domiciliary tcVNS.
  • Further larger trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of tcVNS for improving gait and cognitive function in Parkinson's disease.

Statistics:

  • 33 participants with Parkinson's disease were included in the study.
  • 16 participants received active tcVNS, while 17 received sham tcVNS.
  • 93.9% of participants completed the 12-week intervention period.
  • 3 participants in the active group and 2 participants in the sham group discontinued tcVNS use due to mild adverse events.
  • No serious adverse events were reported during the intervention period.

Sources:

  • Feasibility, safety and efficacy of multi-dose vagus nerve stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a double-blind, randomised sham-controlled proof-of-concept study. Journal of Neurology, 2025;272(10):684.
  • Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.