Using nerve stimulation to activate brain reward circuits
Official title: Peripheral nerve stimulation for activation of dopaminergic nuclei
Funded at University of Texas Dallas · NIH-11128427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how gently stimulating a specific nerve in your body can change the way your brain handles feelings of reward and hunger, which might help people with movement disorders and other issues related to appetite and metabolism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Dallas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richardson, United States) |
| Project start | January 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $64,598 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS126816-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with movement disorders or those seeking treatment for appetite-related issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to movement disorders or appetite regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stimulating the right vagus nerve can influence brain circuits associated with reward and appetite. By focusing on the differences between the left and right vagus nerves, the study aims to explore new treatment strategies for movement disorders and potentially other conditions related to appetite and metabolism. Patients may benefit from this approach if it leads to effective therapies that modulate these brain circuits. The research involves electrical stimulation techniques and assessments of brain activity in response to this stimulation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for movement disorders and appetite regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using vagus nerve stimulation for various conditions, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Dallas
Richardson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thorn, Catherine a — University of Texas Dallas
- Study coordinator: Thorn, Catherine a
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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.