Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD Relief

A pioneering clinical study from The University of Texas at Dallas and Baylor University Medical Center reveals that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), when paired with traditional therapy, can provide long-term relief for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD. Published in Brain Stimulation, this breakthrough research may redefine how we approach trauma-related mental health treatment.

A New Take on Traditional Therapy

VNS involves short electrical pulses delivered to the vagus nerve via a small implanted device in the neck. In the trial, this stimulation was applied alongside prolonged exposure therapy—a form of cognitive behavioral therapy where patients safely revisit trauma-related memories.

Over a 12-session course, nine participants received this combined treatment. Remarkably, all nine were symptom-free up to six months after therapy concluded, with none retaining their PTSD diagnosis. According to lead researcher Dr. Michael Kilgard, “100% loss of diagnosis in a PTSD trial is nearly unheard of.”

Why This Vagus Nerve Stimulation for PTSD Trial Matters

Traditional treatments for PTSD often fall short—many patients either don’t respond or relapse. According to the National Center for PTSD, 5% of U.S. adults suffer from PTSD annually, and women are twice as likely to develop it. VNS offers a potentially tolerable, effective, and lasting solution.

Past VNS research from UT Dallas’ Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) has shown it can enhance neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire itself. This same stimulation method is already FDA-approved for stroke recovery, suggesting broad potential for application across neurological conditions.

The Future of Vagus Nerve Stimulation

The current study is the largest of its kind using an implanted device for PTSD. A Phase 2 trial is already underway, aiming to confirm results in a double-blind, placebo-controlled setting. The ultimate goal? FDA approval of a therapy developed, tested, and delivered by UT Dallas.

Dr. Mark Powers, lead author and clinical psychologist at BSWRI, noted that VNS not only improved efficacy, but also reduced treatment dropout rates. He believes this innovation could soon become a second-line option for patients who do not respond to therapy alone.

For more information: Powers, M. B., et al. (2025). Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy for Treatment-Resistant PTSD. Brain Stimulation. doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2025.03.007.