VA Office of Research and Development
This study effects the effects of transcutaneous cervical vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) or a sham control on brain, physiology, and PTSD symptoms in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Veterans undergo brain imaging and physiological measures in conjunction with traumatic scripts before and after three months of twice daily treatment with tcVNS or sham stimulation at home.
Description: This study assesses brain function measured with High Resolution Positron Emission Tomography (HR-PET) during exposure to stressful traumatic scripts paired with tcVNS or sham stimulation, with secondary measures of blood inflammatory biomarkers, and sympathetic function. Participants then undergo three months of twice daily home treatment with repeat measures. Drug/Device Handling: \[O-15\] radiolabeled water has a half-life of 110 seconds and is made on site at the Emory Center for Systems Imaging (CSI). Dr. Bremner holds the Investigational New Drug (IND) approval for use of r…
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans between the ages of 18 and 75 will be included with a diagnosis of PTSD based on DSM-5 criteria Exclusion Criteria: Subjects will be excluded with: * a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) based on VA Criteria * moderate or greater TBI * positive pregnancy test * meningitis or other neurological disorder * alcohol or substance abuse use disorder based on DSM-5 criteria within the past 12 months * current or lifetime history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar I disorder, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, based on DSM-5 * active suicidal id…
Active stimulation with transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation (tcVNS)
Sham stimulation
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