Keeping pace with depression
26 November 2001
Pacemakers could one day be used to help treat those suffering
from depression, according to a new study from Vienna’s AKH Hospital, in
Austria. Dr Siegfried Kasper said that the implant was first used to treat
epilepsy, and works by sending soothing electrical impulses through the vagus
nerve to the brain.
The vagus nerve is thought to have connections to the parts of the brain
responsible for depression. Dr Kasper hopes the pacemaker implant may one day
replace pills currently used for the treatment of the condition.
(Ananova 21/11/01)
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