We disclose a method of providing an electrical signal to a cranial nerve of a patient for treating a medical condition, comprising providing an electrical signal generator, coupling at least a first electrode to a cranial nerve of the patient and to the electrical signal generator, generating an electrical signal with the electrical signal generator, and applying the electrical signal to the cranial nerve, using the at least a first electrode, for a duration less than a cardiac period of the patient and during the cardiac period of the patient. We also disclose an implantable medical device capable of implementing the method.