Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) and Cognition in Young Adult Vapers - A Pilot Study

Launched by TEMPLE UNIVERSITY · Jan 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a treatment called non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) might help improve thinking and attention in young adults who use e-cigarettes or vaping products. Participants will use a device called TRUVAGA™ that gently stimulates a nerve in the neck. They will be randomly assigned to either receive the nVNS treatment for 2 minutes or a control stimulation that does not provide any real treatment. After the stimulation, participants will take two tests to measure their attention and cognitive function.

To join the study, participants must be healthy young adults aged 18 to 25 who currently use or have previously used e-cigarettes. However, people with certain health issues, such as infections or serious medical conditions affecting the brain or heart, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, cannot participate. If eligible, participants can expect a brief appointment where they will receive the treatment and complete the tests. This study aims to explore the potential effects of nVNS on cognitive abilities in young adult vapers, which could lead to new insights into vaping and mental function.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy young adults
• • Age range 18-25 years
• • Current or prior users of e-cigarettes
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Participants will be excluded from the study if they:
• • Have any rash, infection, swelling, cut, soreness, drug patch, surgical scar on the neck area
• • Have any implantable medical device in their body such as a pacemaker, hearing aid implant, or any other metallic/electronic device
• • Have any hearing or vision problems that are not corrected
• • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Have any learning disabilities
• • Have a medical history of any of the following condition
• • Meningitis
• • Traumatic brain injury
• • Seizure
• • Syncope
• • Schizophrenia
• • Schizoaffective disorder
• • Bulimia (eating disorder)
• • Other serious neurological illness
• • Have a medical history of any of the following cardiac disorder
• • Carotid atherosclerosis or carotid artery disease
• • Cervical vagotomy
• • First degree atrioventricular block or prolonged QT interval
• • Are taking any medications for to treat hypertension, arrhythmias, or are on calcium channel blockers