Using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation after brain hemorrhages
Official title: Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation to mitigate subarachnoid hemorrhage induced inflammation
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10870057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle way to stimulate the vagus nerve to help reduce inflammation in people who have had a brain bleed from a ruptured aneurysm, and it aims to see if this method can improve their recovery without using medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $194,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS128307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage or those with contraindications to vagus nerve stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) to help manage inflammation in patients who have experienced a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to a ruptured aneurysm. The study aims to assess how this technique can influence inflammatory markers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of affected patients. By employing a novel approach that does not rely on medications, the research seeks to provide a safe and effective method to improve patient outcomes following SAH. Participants will undergo vagus nerve stimulation to evaluate its potential benefits in reducing complications associated with inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and reduced disability for patients who suffer from subarachnoid hemorrhages.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for vagus nerve stimulation in treating various inflammatory conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leuthardt, Eric Claude — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Leuthardt, Eric Claude
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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.