Methods
To provide a comprehensive review of next-generation cranial nerve stimulation and neuromodulation techniques for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, we conducted an extensive literature search in major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search was performed using the following keywords and their combinations: ”Parkinson’s disease,” ”cranial nerve stimulation,” ”neuromodulation,” ”non-invasive techniques,” ”minimally invasive techniques,” ”clinical applications,” and ”treatment outcomes.” The search was limited to articles published in English from January 2000 to August 2021 [14].
The inclusion criteria for articles were: (1) original research articles, review articles, and clinical trial reports focusing on next-generation cranial nerve stimulation and neuromodulation techniques in PD treatment [15]; (2) articles providing detailed descriptions of the underlying principles, devices, and stimulation protocols [16]; and (3) articles reporting on the safety, efficacy, and clinical applications of these techniques [17]. We excluded studies involving traditional deep brain stimulation, case reports, and studies without a clear focus on PD treatment [18].
The selected articles were thoroughly analyzed and categorized based on the type of stimulation technique (non-invasive or minimally invasive) and the specific cranial nerve targeted (e.g., vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve) [19]. We extracted relevant information on the devices, stimulation parameters, clinical applications, and treatment outcomes reported in each study. The advantages and limitations of each technique were also reviewed, with a focus on their potential for clinical translation and implementation [19].