Recording nerve signals from the vagus nerve in awake people
Microelectrode Recordings from the Vagus Nerve in Awake Humans
This study is looking at how the vagus nerve works by using a special technique to record its signals in awake volunteers, which could help improve treatments for conditions related to the nervous system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10930822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in connecting the brain to various organs in the body. Using a novel ultrasound-guided technique, researchers will insert microelectrodes into the neck of awake participants to record nerve signals directly. This approach aims to identify the specific nerve fibers activated during vagal nerve stimulation, providing insights into both sensory and motor functions. The findings could lead to advancements in understanding and treating conditions related to the autonomic nervous system.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults experiencing conditions related to the vagus nerve, such as anxiety disorders or gastrointestinal diseases.
Not a fit: Patients with severe neurological disorders or those unable to undergo the procedure due to medical contraindications may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of the vagus nerve's role in health and disease, potentially leading to new treatments for conditions like anxiety disorders and gastrointestinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While direct recordings from the sympathetic nervous system have been successful for decades, this approach to recording from the vagus nerve is novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macefield, Vaughan Gary — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Macefield, Vaughan Gary
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.