Vagal nerve stimulation for improving recovery after stroke

Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Enhanced Stroke Recovery: The VALOR Registry

Observational Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT05694663

This study is testing if vagal nerve stimulation can help people recovering from a stroke feel better and improve their recovery process.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT05694663 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This registry focuses on the safety and efficacy of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) as a treatment for patients recovering from chronic ischemic stroke. It involves monitoring patients who are undergoing VNS implantation and subsequent rehabilitation to assess any serious adverse events and gather clinical outcomes. The study aims to collect both objective data and patient-reported experiences to evaluate the overall impact of VNS on stroke recovery. By analyzing these outcomes, the registry seeks to provide insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of this novel therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 or older with a history of ischemic stroke and upper extremity weakness who are planning to undergo VNS implantation.

Not a fit: Patients who are poor surgical candidates or have medical or mental instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery outcomes for patients suffering from chronic ischemic stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with vagal nerve stimulation for various conditions, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
* Stated willingness to comply with all procedures in the VNS-Enhanced Stroke Recovery Program
* Aged 18 or older
* History of ischemic stroke
* Upper extremity weakness
* Planned to undergo VNS implantation

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unfavorable candidacy for device implant surgery (e.g., history of adverse reactions to anesthetics, poor surgical candidate in surgeon's opinion, prior injury to the vagus nerve etc.).
* Medical or mental instability (diagnosis of personality disorder, psychosis, or substance abuse) that would prevent the subject from meeting protocol timeline.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

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 Chronic Ischemic Stroke
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.