What is tVNS?
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive treatment that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through a small electrode worn on the ear. By stimulating this nerve, tVNS targets brain networks involved in seizure activity, mood regulation, and pain processing. It is a Class IIa EU-MDR certified medical device.
tVNS is approved for use in epilepsy, depression, chronic migraines, and Prader-Willi syndrome. There is also a growing body of evidence supporting its use in stroke rehabilitation, where it is paired with targeted therapy to improve upper limb recovery.
What is tSCS?
Transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses surface electrodes placed on the skin over the back or neck to deliver electrical stimulation to the spinal cord. This stimulation enhances spinal circuits, helping to improve voluntary movement and reduce spasticity after spinal cord injury.
tSCS is delivered using the Stim2Go device, which provides clinician-programmed stimulation during rehabilitation sessions and home use. The treatment works by reactivating neural pathways below the level of injury, supporting functional recovery alongside conventional therapy.
Trial outcomes
The following table summarises key outcomes from clinical trials and published studies. These are presented in plain terms to support funding and commissioning decisions.
| Condition | Modality | Key Outcome | |---|---|---| | Epilepsy | tVNS | 30% responder rate (50%+ seizure reduction) at 5 years | | Depression | tVNS | 67.6% long-term response rate | | Chronic migraine | tVNS | 50% reduction in migraine days at 12 weeks | | Prader-Willi syndrome | tVNS | 50% reduction in outbursts in 80% of patients at 12 months | | Stroke (upper limb) | tVNS | 88% response rate with paired rehabilitation | | Spinal cord injury (upper limb) | tSCS | 72% achieved meaningful improvement |
Regulatory status
tVNS: The tVNS device is Class IIa under EU-MDR, CE marked, and manufactured by tVNS Technologies GmbH in Germany. It is distributed in the UK and Ireland by Anatomical Concepts (UK) Limited.
Stim2Go (tSCS): The Stim2Go device is manufactured by Pajunk GmbH in Germany. Anatomical Concepts is the UK dealer, responsible for clinical assessment, device setup, and ongoing support.
Safety record
Both tVNS and tSCS are non-invasive and reversible. Treatment can be paused or stopped at any time without lasting effects. Both modalities are well tolerated across published clinical trials.
Common side effects are minor and transient. For tVNS, these may include mild tingling at the ear electrode site. For tSCS, minor skin redness at the electrode site may occur.
All patients receiving treatment through Anatomical Concepts undergo a professional clinical assessment before device provision, with ongoing monitoring and support throughout their treatment course.