Using non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation to help stroke recovery

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 investigates the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on motor recovery in stroke patients. It aims to explore the potential of non-invasive stimulation techniques to enhance neurological recovery after a stroke, particularly in patients who have experienced their first cerebrovascular accident within a month. The research will assess the safety and efficacy of taVNS, which stimulates the vagus nerve through the tragus of the ear, potentially offering a practical alternative to invasive vagus nerve stimulation. The study seeks to fill a gap in the limited treatment options available for improving motor function post-stroke.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* First-time Cerebrovascular Accident (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic)
* Within a month post-injury
* Presence of motor impairments (FMA-U≤62)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Advanced cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney disease
* Bradycardia (Resting HR \< 60)
* Presence of Apraxia, Aphasia or confusion
* Other musculoskeletal or neurologic diseases that could interfere with the outcome measures
* Previous surgical intervention on the vagus nerve
* Participation in other clinical trials
* Alcohol or drug abuse

Where it's running

• Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
  Pomona, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Elliott Block, MD — Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
• Study coordinator: Caroline Schnakers, PhD
• Email: cschnakers@casacolina.org
• Phone: (909)596-7733

Similar studies

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

• Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke

  This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.

  Recruiting The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health · Heidelberg, Victoria and 1 other locations · NCT07019493

• Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery

  This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Hokkaido University Hospital · Sapporo, Hokkaido · NCT06752720

• AI-based tools to help diagnose, treat and predict stroke outcomes across multiple hospitals

  This study tests AI-powered tools on real-world stroke patients to see if they can improve pre-hospital triage, diagnosis, and outcome prediction while data stay securely within each hospital.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron Research Institute · Leuven and 6 other locations · NCT07924371

• Web-based therapy using action observation and mirror therapy for arm weakness after stroke

  This trial tests whether a mobile telerehabilitation app delivering action observation therapy (AOT) alone or combined AOT with mirror therapy (AOT-MT) can improve upper limb function in people with subacute stroke.

  Recruiting Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · Taoyuan · NCT07921108

• Remote Ischaemic Conditioning for Fatigue After Stroke 2

  Aat least 12 weeks after stroke, adults with post-stroke fatigue will try a simple hand-arm cuff treatment at home to see if it helps reduce fatigue.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · Sheffield, South Yorkshire · NCT07914647

• Dual-task balance training plus computer-based cognitive training after stroke

  In adults who recently had a stroke, the study tests whether adding computerized cognitive exercises to balance training improves balance and other recovery outcomes.

  Recruiting Matia Foundation · San Sebastián, GUIPUZCOA · NCT07913620

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.