Vagus Nerve Stimulation is an Ideal Therapeutic Candidate for COVID-19 Infection

Vagus nerve stimulation is an unrecognized therapeutic tool that may be capable of modulating the cytokine storm as well as the coagulation abnormalities in COVID-19 infection. The pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome in many hospitalizedCOVID-19 patients includes the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and high inflammatory markers suggestive of a cytokine storm. Serum cytokines measured in Chinese COVID-19 patients were significantly higher in severe compared to moderate cases, specifically the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 2R (IL-2R), IL-6, IL-10, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) [1]. Maximal levels of IL-6 followed by CRP (C-reactive protein) are also highly predictive of the need for mechanical ventilation [2].