Non-invasive VNS in Stroke Recovery
The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Summary
To evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of non-invasive VNS to enhance stroke recovery
Description
In this study, (Aim 1) we will test whether our non-invasive trans-auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) during occupational therapy task performance has the potential for large scale application through superior clinical benefit compared to sham in a broad group of stroke survivors including hemorrhagic strokes. To determine the predictors of effective brain rewiring in the individual stroke patient, we will use an EEG and/or functional MRI (fMRI) connectivity biomarker independently of the success of the stimulation paradigm (Aim 2). We will test the hypothesis that better motor functio…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Symptomatic ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke verified by computerized axial tomography or magnetic resonance imaging resulting in hemiparesis (MRC 1-4). * Age more than 18, Male or Female, All racial and ethnic groups * Entry into the study \>6 months post onset * Patients who can safely undergo taVNS * Able to follow 2 step commands * Modified Ashworth Scale Score =\<3 in the involved upper extremity * Passive range of motion within functional ranges at the shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand * UFM =\< 60 (scale 0-66) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with history of severe al…
Interventions
- DevicetaVNS
Experimental. The current will be increased gradually for both sham and real stimulation at the beginning of the 90-minute stimulation to lessen the itchy/numb skin sensation and to create the same skin sensation for subject blinding.
Location
- Houston Methodist Research InstituteHouston, Texas