Groundbreaking Technologies For life
Potential Therapeutic Benefits
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Reduction of Anxiety and Hyperarousal
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Improvement of Social Engagement
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Enhancement of Attention and Cognitive Flexibility
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Regulation and Improvement of Sleep Patterns
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Support for Language Development
While 1 in every 150 children was diagnosed with autism in the early 2000s, this rate increased to 1 in every 36 children by 2025 .
Mechanism of Action of tVNS in Autism
The Vagus Nerve and Its Brain Connections
tVNS works by stimulating the auricular vagus nerve, located in the ear (specifically in the cymba concha region), through the skin surface. This nerve carries information directly to the brainstem and from there to regions such as the limbic system and prefrontal cortex.
🔹 Nucleus Tractus Solitarius (NTS) → This center in the brainstem receives vagus signals.
🔹 Signals from NTS:
Amygdala → Emotional regulation
Hippocampus → Learning and memory
Prefrontal Cortex → Social decision making, planning, attention
What You Wonder About tVNS in Autism
tVNS®, kaygıyı azaltıp konsantrasyonu arttırarak, beyni öğrenmeye daha açık bir biyolojik duruma getirebilir.
Bu gelişmiş dikkat ve öğrenme potansiyeli, bireylerin yeni beceriler kazanımını hızlandırabilir.
By reducing anxiety and increasing concentration, tVNS® can put the brain in a more receptive biological state for learning.
This improved attention and learning potential can accelerate individuals' acquisition of new skills.
tVNS®, kaygıyı azaltıp konsantrasyonu arttırarak, beyni öğrenmeye daha açık bir biyolojik duruma getirebilir.
Bu gelişmiş dikkat ve öğrenme potansiyeli, bireylerin yeni beceriler kazanımını hızlandırabilir.
By reducing anxiety and increasing concentration, tVNS® can put the brain in a more receptive biological state for learning.
This improved attention and learning potential can accelerate individuals' acquisition of new skills.
Potential Benefits Targeted in Autism with tVNS®
Increased capacity for social interaction
Improving emotional regulation
Increased attention and focus
Decrease in irritability and repetitive behaviors
Better quality and regular sleep
Reducing anxiety and stress response
In their study published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience, He and colleagues (2021) examined the effects of tVNS on functional connectivity between brain regions in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and observed increased connectivity, particularly in networks associated with social cognition, emotional regulation, and attention. The findings revealed that tVNS strengthened neural communication in children with autism. This supports its potential for improvement in clinical symptoms. The authors emphasize that tVNS, as a non-invasive intervention, could be an important complementary treatment option for neurodevelopmental disorders. The study also highlighted its safe use profile in children.
Why Are New Approaches Necessary?
Targets specific symptoms: It is used only for behavioral or accompanying symptoms (such as anxiety, hyperactivity, sleep disorders), not for the root cause of autism.
Side effects: Appetite changes, sleep problems, weight gain, hormonal and neurological side effects may occur.
Long-term use may be necessary: Dependence and long-term effects from the drug may be a concern.
Security and Ease of Application
What is Autism?
Autism is a congenital, neurological disease, and it is a behavioral and verbal disorder that negatively affects a person's quality of life.
There are symptoms such as inability to make eye contact, repetitive behaviors, and difficulty in social activities. In addition, individuals with autism are sensitive to sensory stimuli such as lights and sounds.
