Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation

Description

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to activate neural pathways that release chemicals which promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear modulates physiological indexes of brain states implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms modulated by auricular stimulation to support possible therapeutic effects in the form of motor learning.

Conditions

Paresis

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is thought to activate neural pathways that release chemicals which promote plasticity and learning. Previous work has shown that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates landmarks on the external ear. Work from the PI's laboratory has shown that electrical current applied to the external ear modulates physiological indexes of brain states implicated in the therapeutic effects of VNS. The broad objective of this project is to better understand physiological mechanisms modulated by auricular stimulation to support possible therapeutic effects in the form of motor learning.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Motor Learning & Mechanisms

Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation

Condition
Paresis
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Pittsburgh

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15240

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. 18-75 years of age
  • 2. Diagnosis of a single stroke resulting in hand impairment
  • 3. Diagnosis of stroke at least six months prior to the time of participation
  • 1. History of vestibular disorders or dizziness
  • 2. Difficulty maintaining alertness and/or remaining still
  • 3. Pregnant or expecting to become pregnant
  • 4. Diagnosis of neurological and/or musculoskeletal disorder(s) (other than stroke) that affect movement
  • 5. Ocular disease and/or impairment in more than one eye
  • 6. History of seizure and/or epilepsy
  • 7. Implants, devices, or foreign objects in the brain/body that are incompatible with MRI
  • 8. Body size that is incompatible with MRI scanner dimensions
  • 9. Anyone already enrolled and actively participating in another greater than minimal risk study.
  • 10. Other impairments secondary to stroke (e.g., attention, cognition, etc.) that would interfere with the ability to understand study goals or follow simple instructions, as judged by the investigators.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 75 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

VA Office of Research and Development,

Michael A. Urbin, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PA

Study Record Dates

2028-08-05