Non-invasive brain stimulation to reduce nausea in adults
Official title: Central mechanisms of nausea and their modulation via non-invasive neurostimulation
Funded at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital · NIH-11487747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH-funded project tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation method can lessen nausea in adults by affecting the brain networks that process nausea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlestown, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $552,874 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT014133-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11487747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who may experience nausea related to chronic conditions and are able to participate in non-invasive brain stimulation studies.
✕Less likely to help
People unable to undergo non-invasive stimulation or with certain medical contraindications may not benefit.
What this research studies
Nausea often accompanies chronic illnesses and can drastically affect daily life. The project uses a motion-sickness-based setup and brain imaging to understand how non-invasive taVNS (ear-based vagus nerve stimulation) changes brain activity related to nausea. By studying brain regions like the NTS and limbic areas, researchers hope to identify how taVNS reduces symptoms. The work aims to uncover neural mechanisms so taVNS could become a practical, side-effect–light option for people who suffer from chronic nausea.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, taVNS could become a safe, non-drug option to lessen nausea and improve quality of life for adults with chronic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings show taVNS can influence brain networks related to nausea, but full neural mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sclocco, Roberta — Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sclocco, Roberta
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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.