Using vagus nerve stimulation to reduce inflammation in spinal cord injury
Assessing the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation as an Anti-inflammatory Treatment Following Spinal Cord Injury
This study is testing if a new treatment using vagus nerve stimulation can help reduce inflammation in people with spinal cord injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05730049 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as an anti-inflammatory treatment for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active taVNS or a sham treatment, with blood samples collected before, immediately after, and 24 hours post-treatment to measure changes in inflammatory biomarkers. The study seeks to determine if taVNS can safely reduce inflammation, which is a common complication in SCI patients. By exploring this novel approach, the trial hopes to provide an alternative to traditional drug treatments that often have adverse effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with any level of spinal cord injury.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have active implants, or cerebral shunts may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, non-invasive method to reduce inflammation in patients with spinal cord injuries, potentially improving their overall health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While vagus nerve stimulation has shown promise in reducing inflammation in other populations, this specific application in spinal cord injury is novel and has not been previously tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any level of severity of spinal cord injury * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant or attempting to become pregnant * people with active implants (e.g. cochlear implant, implanted vagus nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker) * people with cerebral shunts
Where this trial is running
London, Ontario
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London — London, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David J. Allison, PhD. — London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
- Study coordinator: David J Allison, PhD.
- Email: David.Allison@sjhc.london.on.ca
- Phone: 519 646 6100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.