Using auricular vagus nerve stimulation to improve outcomes after brain bleeding

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effects of non-invasive auricular vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) on inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes in patients who have experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active VNS or sham stimulation, with blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples collected to assess inflammation. Clinical events, such as the development of edema and length of hospital stay, will be monitored, along with functional outcomes at discharge and follow-up visits for up to two years. The goal is to determine if VNS can improve recovery and reduce complications following this serious condition.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients who present with a spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) to Barnes Jewish Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients \< 18 years old
* Patients with a presumed traumatic etiology for their ICH, infratentorial location, ICH volume \> 60 ml or \< 10 ml, at risk of imminent death (e.g. Glasgow Coma Scale, GCS of 3 or one or more pupils unreactive), surgical intervention imminently planned (not including ventriculostomy)
* Patients undergoing active cancer therapy
* Patients with sustained bradycardia on arrival with a heart rate \< 50 beats per minute.
* Patients who cannot be enrolled within 48 hours of the initial bleed.

Where it's running

• Washington University School of Medicine
  St Louis, Missouri, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Raj Dhar, MD
• Email: dharr@wustl.edu
• Phone: 314-362 2999

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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.