Protocol and stimulation parameters
Definition
Stimulation intensity describes the magnitude of the electrical output used during stimulation, often reported as current amplitude or relative to a sensory or discomfort threshold.
Aliases and abbreviations
current amplitude · output current · stimulus intensity
Editorial record
Published: August 25, 2026 · Reviewed: August 25, 2026
Expanded definition
Intensity may be fixed, individually titrated, or described relative to perception, comfort, or pain thresholds. Current amplitude is often reported in milliamperes, but the number alone does not describe the local electrical field.
Electrode area, contact quality, skin impedance, pulse width, waveform, and site all influence current density, charge delivery, and sensation. Protocols with the same nominal intensity may therefore differ materially.
Increasing intensity can change sensation and tolerability. It does not automatically increase selectivity, target engagement, or clinical effect, and no one setting can be treated as universally optimal.
What the term does not establish
Why the distinction matters
Careful intensity language prevents a device setting or subjective sensation from being mistaken for target engagement, effectiveness, or a universal dose.
Main guide
A method-focused overview of intensity, frequency, pulse width, sites, and protocol-specific interpretation.
Explore stimulation parametersSources and further reading
Related terms
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Protocol and stimulation parameters
Editorial scope
This glossary entry supports general education. It does not diagnose, recommend treatment, or transfer findings from one VNS method, protocol, or device to another.