Testing auricular nerve stimulation for spinal cord injuries

A Pilot Study of Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Cardiovascular Biomarkers and Glycemic Homeostasis in Persons With Chronic Spinal Cord Injuries

Not applicable Interventional University of Miami · NCT06588608

This study is testing whether auricular nerve stimulation can help people with chronic spinal cord injuries feel better and improve their condition.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations1 site (Miami, Florida)
Trial IDNCT06588608 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to evaluate the safety of Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (aVNS) in individuals with chronic spinal cord injuries. Participants will receive either active aVNS or a sham treatment to assess the effects on their condition. The study focuses on individuals with motor-complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries at specific levels of the spine. The goal is to determine if this intervention can provide therapeutic benefits for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females with chronic spinal cord injuries classified as motor-complete or incomplete at the C5-T10 levels.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active implantable devices may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries by providing a new therapeutic option.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of aVNS in spinal cord injuries is novel, similar approaches in other conditions have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males and females
2. Chronic (equal or greater to 1 year) motor-complete and incomplete SCI Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) of A or B at the C5-T10 levels

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding
2. Prisoner
3. Failure to satisfy inclusion criteria
4. Previous bariatric surgery
5. Active implantable devices (such as pacemakers)
6. Skin irritation or damage at the site (ear)

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Spinal Cord Injuries
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.