Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Motor Learning & Mechanisms
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
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.
Description
Existing evidence supports the use of VNS to enhance the effects of traditional therapy on impairments due to neurological injury. It is known that the vagus nerve forms contacts with neuromodulatory nuclei in the brainstem that release of chemicals shown to be critically involved in attentional control and memory formation. It is also known that the auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates portions of the external ear providing a possible means to engage similar neural pathways noninvasively via transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). Recent work from the PI's laborato…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS: 1. 18-75 years of age PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE: 2. Diagnosis of a single stroke resulting in hand impairment 3. Diagnosis of stroke at least six months prior to the time of participation Exclusion Criteria: ALL PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS: 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…
Interventions
- OtherTranscutaneous Electrical Stimulation
Electrical pulse trains applied to the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation.
- OtherSham
Electrodes placed on the skin overlying putative sites of auricular vagal innervation but no current administered.
Location
- VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System University Drive Division, Pittsburgh, PAPittsburgh, Pennsylvania