Ep 121: Vagus Nerve Stimulation - Alternative Treatment?
AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 121
Air Date: May 3rd 2026
This episode is a step 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.
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
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Todos nuestros episodios principales del primer domingo de cada mes son un episodio inicial para "poner el tema sobre la mesa". (Paso 2 del proceso de resolución de problemas de 6 pasos de nuestra organización) o un episodio de "revisión de la mesa" (Paso 6 en el proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización)donde nos basamos en un programa anterior porque hemos avanzado en el desarrollo de ayuda, herramientas o proyectos en torno al tema. (Paso 5 del proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización).
Tras la emisión de cada programa, ampliamos la conversación a numerosos debates en diversos formatos, a los que ahora llamamos #360its.
Your Co-Hosts: Who is at the Table this Episode?
Tiffany Westrich-Robertson, CEO
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
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.
Pull up your seat at the table
Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!
What do you think about this episode?
We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.
We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)
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