The vagus is the key component of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, and because the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems act reciprocally -- when one goes up, the other goes down -- the vagus nerve is critical in many therapeutic areas due to its beneficial effect in restoring balance in cases where sympathetic activity is abnormally raised or parasympathetic activity is lowered.   

Researchers are investigating:  VNS mechanisms of action, restoration of autonomic balance, laying new neural pathways during tasks, reduction of symptoms and systemic imflammatory responses and much more...