Trans Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) and Robotic Training for Paralyzed Arm After Stroke

Eligibility Criteria

• * In receipt of full vaccination status and no recent upper respiratory symptoms and no loss of taste or olfaction.
• * Individuals between 18 and 85 years of age
• * First single focal unilateral supratentorial ischemic stroke with diagnosis verified by brain imaging (MRI or CT scans) that occurred at least 6 months prior
• * Cognitive function sufficient to understand the experiments and follow instructions (per interview with Speech Pathologist or PI)
• * Fugl-Meyer assessment 12 to 44 out of 66 (neither hemiplegic nor fully recovered motor function in the muscles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist).
• * Recent fever or upper respiratory symptoms.
• * Botox treatment within 3 months of enrollment
• * Fixed contraction deformity in the affected limb
• * Complete and total flaccid paralysis of all shoulder and elbow motor performance
• * Prior injury to the vagus nerve
• * Severe dysphagia
• * Introduction of any new rehabilitation interventions during study
• * Individuals with scar tissue, broken skin, or irremovable metal piercings that may interfere with the stimulation or the stimulation device
• * Highly conductive metal in any part of the body, including metal injury to the eye; this will be reviewed on a case by case basis for PI to make a determination
• * Pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant or breastfeeding during the study period
• * Significant arrhythmias, including but not limited to, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, sick sinus syndrome, and A-V blocks (enrollment to be determined by PI review)
• * Presence of an electrically, magnetically or mechanically activated implant (including cardiac pacemaker), an intracerebral vascular clip, or any other electrically sensitive support system; Loop recorders will be reviewed on a case by case basis by PI and the treating Cardiologist to make a determination