Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has become a therapeutic option for patients with resistant epilepsy and depression. The field of tVNS is quickly progressing due to its non-invasive nature, presenting a promising alternative to the side effects associated with invasive VNS. Notably, tVNS stands out for its accessibility, affordability, and easiness of application compared to traditional VNS methods. However, the non-invasive stimulation of the outer ear brings forth new queries regarding optimal stimulation sites, stimulus parameters, and the physiological pathways of transcutaneous auricular VNS. Over the past two decades, both basic and clinical research have made significant strides, unraveling these complexities, enhancing our comprehension of tVNS pathways and physiological effects.

The exponential growth in publications over the last years underscores the expanding knowledge base. As we delve deeper, therapeutic applications and achievable objectives of tVNS beyond epilepsy and depression treatment are continually broadening, promising new horizons in the field.