Non-invasive treatment for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury
Official title: Non-Invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11091429 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, easy-to-use device that gently stimulates a nerve in the neck to help veterans with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and PTSD feel better and improve their brain health without needing surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | November 1, 2020 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003418-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091429 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who have been diagnosed with mild traumatic brain injury and may also be experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of mild traumatic brain injury or PTSD may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of non-invasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) as a treatment for veterans suffering from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The approach focuses on promoting neuroplasticity and reducing stress responses through stimulation of the vagus nerve, which can enhance brain function and improve overall health. By utilizing new nVNS devices that do not require surgery, the study aims to provide a more accessible and cost-effective treatment option for affected veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for veterans with mTBI and PTSD, potentially alleviating their symptoms and enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise for Vagal Nerve Stimulation in treating neurotrauma, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bremner, James Douglas — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Bremner, James Douglas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A High-Tech Look Inside the Brain with Diffusion MRI
Researchers are using advanced brain imaging to find biological clues in people who have mild traumatic brain injuries.
-
How neuromodulation may help headaches after a mild brain injury
A small study tests whether stimulating the brain with a noninvasive technique can lessen persistent headaches in people who recently had a concussion.
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Retraining brain pathways to boost thinking after a mild head injury
A clinical trial tests a brain-training program to improve thinking and memory in people who have had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).
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Neurobehavioral effects of childhood brain injuries and addiction risk in twins
This grant studies how mild traumatic brain injury in childhood might influence behavior and the chance of developing addictive behaviors later in life, using twins to understand what’s due to injury versus other factors.
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Understanding and improving reactive balance after mild traumatic brain injury
This grant tests how people recover their balance after a mild brain injury and how targeted training could help prevent falls.
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.