Auricular branch of the vagus nerve (ABVN)

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve, also known as Arnold’s nerve, is a small mixed sensory peripheral branch arising from the superior ganglion of cranial nerve X (vagus). It supplies general somatic afferent fibers that provide sensation from parts of the external auditory canal, tragus, tympanic membrane and posterior part of the external ear. The ABVN runs superficially through temporal bone structures before reaching its cutaneous targets. Its superficial course makes it accessible for non-invasive electrical neuromodulation techniques—most notably transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation—which have been investigated across multiple clinical indications including epilepsy/seizures, depression/mood disorders, atrial fibrillation/cardiac arrhythmias and chronic pain syndromes. Stimulation can elicit physiological responses ranging from changes in heart rate variability to anti-inflammatory effects via central autonomic pathways. The main safety concerns relate primarily to local discomfort at higher intensities and rare vasovagal reactions upon strong activation. No direct pharmacological agents act on this structure; all interventions are device-based neuromodulatory approaches rather than classic drug-receptor interactions[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Arnold’s nerveAlderman’s nerveMastoid branch of the vagus nerve

Electrical stimulation modulates afferent activity transmitted via the ABVN to brainstem nuclei such as the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), influencing autonomic tone and central neural circuits involved in mood regulation, cardiac function, inflammation modulation etc.