Vagus nerve stimulation modulates cortical synchrony and excitability through the activation of muscarinic receptors

▶VNS has been used in more than 60K epileptic patients, but its mechanisms of action are unknown. ▶VNS resembles nucleus basalis stimulation. ▶VNS acutely excites and decorrelates intracortical activity. ▶VNS effects are blocked by muscarinic antagonists.