Pupil-Indexed Noninvasive Neuromodulation

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Feb 20, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people recover movement in their hands after a stroke using a method called auricular vagus nerve stimulation. This technique involves applying a small electrical current to the ear, which may help the brain learn and adapt better, potentially improving motor skills. Researchers hope to learn more about how this stimulation affects the brain and supports recovery.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18 and 75 years old and have had a stroke that caused some hand impairment at least six months ago. However, there are some conditions that might exclude you, such as having balance issues, being pregnant, or having other neurological disorders. If you join the trial, you can expect to undergo some assessments to see how well this treatment works for improving hand movement. It’s a chance to contribute to important research that could help others in the future!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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 more than one eye
• • 6. History of seizure and/or epilepsy
• • 7. Implants, devices, or foreign objects in the brain/body that are incompatible with MRI
• • 8. Body size that is incompatible with MRI scanner dimensions
• • 9. Anyone already enrolled and actively participating in another greater than minimal risk study.
• PROSPECTIVE SUBJECTS DIAGNOSED WITH STROKE:
• • 10. Other impairments secondary to stroke (e.g., attention, cognition, etc.) that would interfere with the ability to understand study goals or follow simple instructions, as judged by the investigators.