Hacking The Nervous System

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/29/hacking-the-nervous-syste_n_7469526.html

Operating far below the level of our conscious minds, the vagus nerve is vital for keeping our bodies healthy. It is an essential part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for calming organs after the stressed ‘fight-or-flight’ adrenaline response to danger. Not all vagus nerves are the same, however: some people have stronger vagus activity, which means their bodies can relax faster after a stress…

Other patients on the trial had similar transformative experiences. The results are still being prepared for publication but Tak says more than half of the patients showed significant improvement and around one-third are in remission – in effect cured of their rheumatoid arthritis. Sixteen of the 20 patients on the trial not only felt better, but measures of inflammation in their blood also went down. Some are now entirely drug-free. Even those who have not experienced clinically significant improvements with the implant insist it helps them; nobody wants it removed…

When pain is caused by inflammation, like in autoimmune conditions, this treatment looks promising.  Something like this won’t help me, but I think it may help those who suffer from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I’m sure it’s expensive.  Still, it signifies hope, which is always a good thing.