Post-stroke Pain taVNS

Description

The purpose of this study is to explore whether a non-invasive form of ear stimulation called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can change the way participants perceive pain. Investigators will recruit up to 20 participants with chronic post-stroke upper extremity pain. The goal is to determine if there is a pain reduction after ear stimulation.

Conditions

Stroke, Pain

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to explore whether a non-invasive form of ear stimulation called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can change the way participants perceive pain. Investigators will recruit up to 20 participants with chronic post-stroke upper extremity pain. The goal is to determine if there is a pain reduction after ear stimulation.

Investigate the Anti-pain Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) in Patients With Chronic Post-stroke Upper Extremity Pain

Post-stroke Pain taVNS

Condition
Stroke
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Charleston

Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry, Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425

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

  • * Age 18-80
  • * Have the capacity and ability to provide one's own consent in English and sign the informed consent document.
  • * Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke that occurred at least 6 months prior
  • * Unilateral stroke lesions in the left hemisphere
  • * Right upper extremity pain
  • * Primary intracerebral hematoma or subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • * Documented history of dementia
  • * Documented history of uncontrolled depression or psychiatric disorder
  • * Uncontrolled hypertension despite treatment, specifically SBP (Systolic Blood Pressure) / DBP (Diastolic Blood Pressure) \>=180/100mmHg
  • * Pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Medical University of South Carolina,

Study Record Dates

2025-06-03