Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation to help with brain vessel narrowing after aneurysm rupture
Official title: The Effect of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tVNS) on Cerebral Vasospasm Secondary to Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT07131696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether using a noninvasive nerve stimulation device can reduce cerebral vasospasm after an aneurysmal brain bleed in adults 18–65 who are undergoing standard treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 6, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 2028 |
| Study ends | September 2029 |
| Registry record updated | August 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07131696 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–65 with Fisher grade 3–4 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage undergoing endovascular treatment and consent to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with very severe initial condition, posterior circulation aneurysms, or who do not respond to tVNS may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study investigates the use of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) as an adjunct therapy for cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Eligible adults with Fisher grade 3–4 aSAH undergoing endovascular treatment receive tVNS in addition to standard care. The trial aims to determine safety and potential improvements in outcomes related to vasospasm and neurological recovery. Participants must consent, meet age and health criteria, and commit to follow-up as part of standard-of-care management. The study is conducted at UAB Hospital with Marshall Holland as the lead sponsor.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience reduced risk or severity of cerebral vasospasm and better neurological outcomes after aSAH.
How similar studies have gone: Autonomic nervous system neuromodulation has shown promise in related conditions, but this specific tVNS approach for CVS after aSAH is exploratory.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Provision of signed and dated informed consent * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or Female * 18-65 years of age * Diagnosed with Fisher grade 3 or 4 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage * Ability to undergo endovascular treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage * For females of reproductive potential: negative pregnancy test at time of treatment. * Plan to undergo standard of care treatment and follow-up Exclusion Criteria: * Medically unfit to undergo endovascular treatment (e.g., Hunt Hess grade 5) * Does not provide consent * Posterior circulation aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage * Initial aneurysm treatment after post bleed day 1
Where it's running
-
UAB Hospital
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marshall Holland, MD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Marshall Holland, MD
- Email: mtholland@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 2059343411
Similar studies
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This project will test if combining blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, imaging, and multi-omics data can find biomarkers that predict complications and outcomes in adults with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.