Ep 121 - Vagus Nerve Stimulation - Alternative Treatment?

Vagus nerve stimulation has been a hot topic in the AiArthritis community, and for good reason. In this episode, host Tiffany sits down with Dr. Vibeke Strand, Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Division of Immunology/Rheumatology at Stanford University, to explore what VNS actually is, what the research shows, and why it could be a game changing option for people who have not found success with traditional treatments.   Whether you have struggled to find a treatment that works or are simply curious about what is emerging in the rheumatology space, this episode shares useful information you can bring to your next doctor's appointment.   NOTE: As of April 2026 this device is only available in the United States. We will keep you updated as it becomes available elsewhere!     Episode Highlights: What VNS is and how it connects to inflammation in AiArthritis diseases How VNS differs from traditional biologics/DMARDs and whether it can be used alongside them What the research says about its effectiveness beyond just pain relief Who might be a good candidate and how to start the conversation with your care team   Links & Resources Have questions about this episode or topics you want to hear us bring to the table? Email us at [email protected]  Donate to Support the Show: www.aiarthritis.org/donate   Follow AiArthritis on all social media platforms @IFAiArthritis Sign up for our Monthly AiArthritis Voices 360 Talk Show newsletter! HERE   Connect with our Co-Hosts: Tiffany is the CEO at International Foundation for AiArthritis and uses her professional expertise in mind-mapping and problem solving to help others, like her, who live with AiArthritis diseases work in unison to identify and solve unresolved community issues. Connect with Tiffany: Facebook: @tiffanyAiArthritis Twitter: @TiffWRobertson LinkedIn: @TiffanyWestrichRobertson   Dr. Vibeke Strand is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Division of Immunology/Rheumatology at Stanford University, where she has taught since 1993, and previously at University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Strand has also served as a consultant in clinical research and regulatory affairs to pharmaceutical and biotech companies since 1991. She has been a clinical rheumatologist for more than 40 years, previously in subspecialty practice in San Francisco, as a clinical investigator, and subsequently senior positions in clinical research at three pharmaceutical/biotech companies before embarking on her consulting practice.   Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Strand has authored over 450 original publications, is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, and a Master of the American College of Rheumatology.