Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Improve Post-operative Outcomes of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy
Washington University School of Medicine
Summary
The objective of this study is to generate preliminary data to establish the feasibility and effectiveness of transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to improve post-operative outcomes of moderate to severe degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM)
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Moderate or severe degenerative cervical myelopathy according to the mJOA * Decompression surgery planned Exclusion Criteria: * • Pregnancy * Electrically active implants (e.g. pacemaker) * Known diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, concomitant thoracic and/or lumbar stenosis, spine tumor, HIV-related myelopathy * Ongoing cancer therapy * Ongoing use of immunomodulating or suppressive medication * Sustained bradycardia with a heartrate \<50 beats per minute for \> 5 minutes following…
Interventions
- DeviceVagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)
Vagus nerve stimulation - clip is attached to ear
- DeviceSham Stimulation
Clip will be attached to the ear, but no stimulation will be given.
Location
- Washington UniversitySt Louis, Missouri