Enhancing Cognitive Rehabilitation After TBI Using Noninvasive Vagal Nerve Stimulation
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) to enhance cognitive recovery in patients with mild-moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Description
Eligible participants will be invited to two sessions, 2-7 days apart. In each session, either active tVNS or sham stimulation will be administered while the participants are performing tasks of executive functions. The order of the sessions (tVNS vs Sham) will be counterbalanced across participants.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: In inpatient rehabilitation due to recent Traumatic Brain Injury, ages 18-65 years. Ability to independently use a keyboard. Able to understand and communicate in English (according to clinical judgment). Able to independently provide consent to participate. Orientation to place, time, and situation (two consecutive scores of 25 or more on the Orientation Log(O-Log)40. This scale is routinely administered during acute rehabilitation stay. Exclusion criteria: Acute medical issues requiring close physician or nursing monitoring. Bioelectrical implants, including pacemaker…
Interventions
- DeviceTranscutaneous auricular vagus active nerve stimulation
In the active stimulation, two electrodes are placed in the cymba conchae of one of the ears, an area thought to be exclusively innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.
- DeviceTranscutaneous auricular vagus sham nerve stimulation
In the sham stimulation, the electrodes are placed on the tail of helix, which is free of vagal innervation.
Location
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabChicago, Illinois