By: Dr. Elodia Ávila
Introduction
A new study reveals that vagus nerve stimulation can help treat autism symptoms, bringing significant improvements in emotional regulation and reducing anxiety. Led by an international team of scientists, the research, published in the International Journal of Health Science, explores how this technique, already used in patients with epilepsy and depression, can be adapted for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This discovery represents a breakthrough in the development of accessible and less invasive therapies, offering new perspectives to improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
What is the vagus nerve and why does it matter?
The vagus nerve, the largest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, performs essential functions such as controlling breathing, heart rate, and digestion. In the context of autism, dysfunctions in this system can make it difficult to adapt to stress and regulate emotions.
In light of this, researchers decided to investigate the effects of vagus nerve stimulation in people with autism, seeking to understand its impact on anxiety and difficulties in social interaction, common symptoms in patients with ASD.
How the study was conducted
The research combined a review of previous studies with the analysis of practical cases. The methodology used was transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), performed in the auricular branch, a specific area of the ear. This non-invasive technique was applied to patients with ASD and accompanied by advanced tools, such as biomarkers and optical coherence tomography, to measure therapeutic responses.
Promising results
The results demonstrated that stimulation of the vagus nerve contributed to improving emotional regulation and significantly reduced anxiety levels in the patients monitored.
“The positive effect on autism symptoms and comorbidities, such as epilepsy, reinforces the need for further research,” says study leader Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues. He highlighted that the technique offers emotional benefits that can facilitate social life and improve stress management in people with ASD.
Impact on autism treatment
The findings suggest that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation is a valuable alternative for treating autism symptoms, especially as it is a non-invasive technique. This approach may complement existing therapies by promoting emotional well-being and improving social adaptation.
“tVNS has the potential to reduce complications and offer a less aggressive alternative for patients who require constant support to deal with stress and social interactions,” the study points out.
Next steps
While the results are promising, scientists acknowledge that more studies are needed to confirm the observed effects. Future research will explore how genetic factors may influence the effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation, with the goal of developing personalized treatments for people with ASD.
Publication and Contributors
The research was conducted by post-PhD in Neuroscience Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues, with the collaboration of orthopedic doctor and master in Neuroscience Dr. Luiz Felipe Chaves Carvalho, plastic surgeon with a postgraduate degree in Neuroscience Dr. Elodia Ávila and psychology student Clara Amorim Ferreira Amaral. The results were published in the International Journal of Health Science.
