Thalamus
2
Solitary
nucleus
1
Vagus nerve
Electrical device
The vagus nerve was stimulated by a device implanted in the patient’s chest. After a month of treatment the patient's attention, movements and brain activity significantly improved. Two key areas involved:
1
Solitary nucleus contains specialised neurons that produce the ‘fight or flight’ hormone noradrenaline that is linked to alertness
2
This region then connects to the thalamus, the brain region that regulates sleep, alertness and consciousness
Thalamus
2
Solitary
nucleus
1
Vagus nerve
Electrical device
The vagus nerve was stimulated by a device implanted in the patient’s chest. After a month of treatment the patient's attention, movements and brain activity significantly improved. Two key areas involved:
1
Solitary nucleus contains specialised neurons that produce the ‘fight or flight’ hormone noradrenaline that is linked to alertness
2
This region then connects to the thalamus, the brain region that regulates sleep, alertness and consciousness