Effects of transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation on thalamic relay: A randomized brain imaging study in chronic low back pain patients.
Yuefeng Wu, Qiao Kong, Valeria Sacca et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and transcutaneous greater auricular nerve stimulation (tGANS) on thalamocortical circuits in 70 patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Both interventions significantly reduced pain intensity and interference scores, with no notable differences between groups. Notably, taVNS was associated with decreased functional connectivity and gray matter volume in specific brain regions.
Key findings
- Both taVNS and tGANS significantly reduced pain intensity and bothersomeness scores.
- taVNS led to significant decreases in static functional connectivity between the MD thalamus and the left postcentral gyrus.
- Gray matter volume of the left postcentral gyrus decreased after taVNS treatment.
- Decreased dynamic functional connectivity between the VPL and postcentral gyrus correlated with reduced pain intensity.
Why it matters
Understanding the effects of taVNS and tGANS on brain connectivity may inform new therapeutic strategies for managing chronic pain, potentially improving patient outcomes in chronic low back pain.