Vagus nerve stimulation helps the brain recover after stroke and other injuries
Official title: Vagus nerve stimulation drives plasticity through inhibitory interneurons
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11094893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation can help people recover better from strokes and other brain injuries by working together with rehabilitation exercises to boost brain healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,632 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS137560-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients recovering from stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or those dealing with addiction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to neurological recovery or those who do not respond to vagus nerve stimulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can enhance recovery from stroke and other neurological conditions by promoting brain plasticity. The approach involves pairing VNS with rehabilitation protocols to optimize recovery outcomes. The study aims to understand the specific brain mechanisms involved, particularly focusing on how VNS influences cholinergic signaling and inhibitory interneurons in the motor cortex. By identifying these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve therapeutic strategies for patients recovering from various brain injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery strategies for patients with stroke and other neurological disorders, enhancing their mobility and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with vagus nerve stimulation in enhancing recovery from various neurological conditions, indicating a potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Welle, Cristin G — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Welle, Cristin G
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.