A simple electronic implant into "the Spock nerve" could reverse the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, clinical trials in The Netherlands have shown. The vagus nerve has been called the "captain" of all nerves because it would be impossible to breathe if it stopped functioning.It is also inspired Spock's Vulcan "nerve pinch" in Star Trek, because compressing the nerve in the neck can cause fainting or even death.But it also plays an important role in controlling inflammation, which is at the heart of rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly perceives the joints as "other" and attacks them, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.However, stimulating the vagus nerve can help to bring the immune system back in line.The technique involves fitting a small electric device, like a pacemaker, under the skin of the chest, above the nerve.A study by the University of Amsterdam and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research showed that sending electrical pulses into the vagus from the implant over four months caused the number of damaging immune cells to drop by up to 38%.The 17 patients involved in the trial also reported a reduction in swollen and tender joints by one third. All had previously failed to respond to medication."This is a real breakthrough in our ability to help people suffering from inflammatory diseases," said the co-author of the report on the study, Kevin Tracey.Until now we had no proof that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can inhibit immune cell production.The trial's results might benefit patients suffering from other inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. ..