Mastoid TaVNS-fMRI

Description

The purpose of this study is to explore whether stimulating different outer parts of the ear using a non-invasive form of ear stimulation called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) will create different brain activation images. Investigators will recruit 24 healthy participants. The ear stimulation will be delivered while taking brain images using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

Conditions

Auricular Stimulation

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The purpose of this study is to explore whether stimulating different outer parts of the ear using a non-invasive form of ear stimulation called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) will create different brain activation images. Investigators will recruit 24 healthy participants. The ear stimulation will be delivered while taking brain images using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.

Investigating the Direct Brain Effects of Activating the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve from the Cymba Concha or Mastoid Process: a Sham-controlled FMRI Study

Mastoid TaVNS-fMRI

Condition
Auricular Stimulation
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 18-65
  • * Have the capacity and ability to provide one's own consent in English and sign the informed consent document.
  • * Unable to speak in English.
  • * Contraindicated for MRI.
  • * Any current or recent untreated medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions
  • * Metal implant devices in the head, heart or neck.
  • * History of brain surgery.
  • * History of myocardial infarction or arrhythmia, bradycardia.
  • * Personal or family history of seizure or epilepsy or personal use of medications that substantially reduce seizure threshold (e.g., olanzapine, chlorpromazine, lithium).
  • * Personal history of head injury, concussion, or self-report of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.
  • * Participant has abnormal ear anatomy, skin irritation, or ear infection present
  • * Individuals suffering from frequent/severe headaches.
  • * Individuals with a reported history of psychosis or mania, or individuals who are actively manic or psychotic.
  • * Moderate to severe alcohol or substance use disorder.
  • * Pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Collaborators and Investigators

Medical University of South Carolina,

Xiaolong Peng, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Medical University of South Carolina

Study Record Dates

2025-07-02