IMR Press / JIN / Volume 24 / Issue 11 / DOI: 10.31083/JIN45042
Open Access Review
Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation and Its Effects on Sympathetic Nervous System Activation
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Affiliation
1 Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, 50180 Toluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
2 Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 72470 Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
*Correspondence: acpliegoc@uaemex.mx (Adriana Pliego)
These authors contributed equally.
J. Integr. Neurosci. 2025, 24(11), 45042; https://doi.org/10.31083/JIN45042 (registering DOI)
Submitted: 16 July 2025 | Revised: 1 September 2025 | Accepted: 16 September 2025 | Published: 12 November 2025
Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.
This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Abstract

Cardiovascular modulation in response to movement and gravitational forces can be influenced by vestibular input or peripheral baroreflex mechanisms. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) is a widely used, noninvasive method for activating neural pathways within the vestibular system, as well as associated pathways such as vestibulo-spinal, oculomotor, and vestibulo-autonomic circuits. Research on vestibulo-autonomic function via GVS has primarily focused on its effects on cardiovascular modulation and sympathetic muscle and nerve activity. However, inconsistencies in GVS application protocols across studies have made it challenging to reach a consensus regarding its effectiveness in modulating the vestibulo-autonomic pathway. Evidence suggests that GVS induces transient autonomic changes by stimulating a neural pathway sensitive to otolith input. This review collates the parameters used in GVS application and examines their effects on autonomic neural pathways by analyzing variations in amplitude, frequency, and electrode montage to understand their impact on autonomic responses, including changes in heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and sympathetic muscle or nerve activity (MSNA). By analyzing stimulation parameters and experimental protocols, we aim to determine their impact on autonomic activation and evaluate their potential for precise autonomic modulation. Finally, based on the evidence generated in populations with neurological disorders and motion sickness, we discuss the potential of GVS as a complementary neuromodulation strategy to treat autonomic dysregulation.

Keywords
galvanic vestibular stimulation
cardiovascular modulation
muscular sympathetic activity
autonomic function
blood pressure
heart rate
Figures
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