A
system and method for treating
nausea and
vomiting are provided, including one or more electrodes (10, 12) applied on or under the
skin, the electrodes being connected to an external
current source (34). The electrodes can be implanted under the
skin and connect to internal stimulator
electronics (22), which can form a magnetic inductive link to the external
current source (34). Alternatively, the electrodes can be placed on the
skin and directly linked by wires to the external
current source. As a further alternative, the
vagus nerve can be directly stimulated in the neck, or the
esophagus,
stomach,
duodenum, or intestines can be directly stimulated by magnetic stimulation. The electrodes can stimulate the
vagus nerve in the neck to reduce
nausea and
vomiting, or can be arranged near the chest or
abdomen, so as to stimulate the
esophagus,
stomach,
duodenum or intestines. Because the current source is provided outside the body, it is not necessary to
implant batteries or another power supply in the body.