Devices and methods for non-invasive stimulation of nerves, such as the vagus nerve, include a housing and an electrode spaced from the housing. The electrode is configured to be positioned adjacent to, or in contact with, an outer skin surface of a patient. A source of energy is positioned within the housing and operably coupled to the electrode, either wirelessly or via a lead or other wired connection. The source of energy emits an electrical impulse to the electrode such that the electrical impulse passes through the outer skin surface of the patient to a nerve at a target region in the patient sufficient to modulate the nerve. The electrical impulse comprises bursts each with a frequency from about 1 Hz to about 100 Hz, wherein each of the bursts comprises 2 pulses to 20 pulses.