Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Selective stimulation of the vagus nerve using electrical impedance tomography

Official title: Electrical Impedance Tomography Imaging of Functional Anatomy and Selective Stimulation of Fascicles Within the Vagus Nerve

Run by University College, London · NCT05664854 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to stimulate the vagus nerve to see if it can help treat conditions like epilepsy with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity College, London
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Greater London)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 4, 2023
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2027
Study endsJuly 31, 2027
Registry record updatedMay 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT05664854 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 with a clinical diagnosis of a disorder that may respond to vagus nerve stimulation.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 18 or those who cannot understand verbal explanations in English may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This research aims to explore the functional anatomy of the cervical vagus nerve in humans to enable selective stimulation for treating various vagus nerve-related conditions, including epilepsy. By identifying specific fascicles within the nerve that innervate different organs, the study seeks to minimize off-target effects associated with traditional vagus nerve stimulation. The methodology involves using nerve cuff electrodes and electrical impedance tomography to achieve spatially selective stimulation. This innovative approach could lead to more effective treatments for conditions like epilepsy while reducing side effects.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a more effective and targeted treatment option for patients with epilepsy and other vagus nerve-related disorders.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of selective vagus nerve stimulation is novel, preliminary work in animal models suggests potential success in similar methodologies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age over 18
* Written informed consent by patient or proxy
* Clinical diagnosis of disorder affected directly or indirectly or will possibly respond to vagus nerve stimulation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Aged 17 and below
* Unfortunately, it is unlikely that interpreters of all languages will be available in the unit so persons who cannot understand verbal explanation in English and for whom we could not find a suitable consultee would have to be excluded from the study.

Where it's running

  • National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery
    London, Greater London, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.