Non-Invasive Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Reduce Inflammation and Improve Recovery After Intracerebral Hemorrhage

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether non-invasive auricular vagal nerve stimulation VNS can reduce inflammatory markers and improve outcomes in patients who have experienced an intracerebral hemorrhage. This study focuses on the effects of transcutaneous auricular VNS on inflammation in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, as well as on the clinical progression and recovery of patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage. Participants will be randomly assigned to either receive twice daily auricular VNS stimulation or a sham stimulation using an ear clip without current. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples will be collected upon admission and at multiple points during the hospital stay. Clinical events such as peri-hematomal edema development, treatments for edema, and length of ICU and hospital stays will be tracked. Functional outcomes will be measured at discharge and during follow-up visits for up to two years, with no extra visits required solely for the study. During the study, participants will undergo regular clinical monitoring, blood and cerebrospinal fluid testing, and evaluation of neurological status. Researchers will measure changes in inflammatory markers like IL-6, growth of perihematomal edema, neurological worsening during hospital admission, and long-term neurological outcomes. Hospital stay length will also be recorded. The total observation period extends up to two years following discharge, allowing assessment of both short-term and long-term effects.

Auricular VNS Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage