Investigating how vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce chronic pain
Functional peripheral and central vagal neural circuits of interoception inhibiting pain
This study is looking at how stimulating the vagus nerve might help reduce chronic pain, like that from jaw issues, by better understanding how our body senses pain, and it could lead to new treatments for people dealing with ongoing pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10993595 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the vagus nerve in regulating the body's sense of internal physiological conditions, known as interoception, and how this can help manage chronic pain. By using a mouse model of temporomandibular joint disorders, which are common chronic pain conditions, the study aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms through which vagal stimulation can inhibit pain signals. The approach involves electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to understand its effects on pain modulation and the underlying neural circuits involved. This research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from chronic pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults suffering from chronic pain conditions, particularly those related to temporomandibular disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience chronic pain or have conditions unrelated to the vagus nerve's role in pain modulation may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new methods for managing chronic pain, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that vagus nerve stimulation can be effective in treating conditions like epilepsy and depression, suggesting potential for success in pain management as well.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Yu Shin — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Kim, Yu Shin
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.