A simple electronic implant into ‘the Spock nerve’ could reverse the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, says clinical trial research.
The vagus nerve has been called the “captain” of all nerves because it would be impossible to breathe if it stopped functioning.
It is also called the ‘Spock Nerve’ as like “nerve pinch” in Star Trek, compressing this nerve in the neck can cause fainting or even death.
However, it turns out that it also plays an important role in controlling inflammation, which is a root issue of rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly perceives the joints as ‘foreign element’ and attacks them, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
Anyway stimulating the vagus nerve can help to bring the immune system back in line. The technique involves fitting a small electric device, like a pacemaker, under the skin of the chest, above the nerve.
A study by the University of Amsterdam and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research showed that sending electrical pulses into the vagus from the implant over four months caused the number of damaging immune cells to drop by up to 38%.
reportedly 17 patients who were involved in the trial reported a reduction in swollen and tender joints by one third. Apparently, all of had previously failed to respond to medication.
The trial’s results might benefit patients suffering from other inflammatory diseases, including Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s too.
