Actively Recruiting
Safety and Feasibility of Paired Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) With Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · Updated on 2025-09-19
12
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
123 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Lead Sponsor
M
Mission Connect
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transcutaneous auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) paired with upper-limb rehabilitation in adults with tetraplegia caused by cervical spinal cord injury.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Safety and Feasibility of Paired Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) With Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- diagnosis of traumatic incomplete (AIS B-D) cervical spinal cord injury (C8 and above)
- at least 12 months post-traumatic SCI but less than 10 years post-SCI
- demonstrate some residual movement in the upper limb (e.g., able to perform pinch movement with thumb and index finger sufficient to grip small objects such as marble)
You will not qualify if you...
- non-traumatic SCI
- recent ear trauma and skin lesions at the site of stimulation, such as sunburn, cuts, and open sores,
- facial or ear pain,
- allergic reaction to adhesives and electrodes,
- any current or past history of cardiovascular disorders,
- intracranial metal implants, pacemakers,
- concomitant clinically significant brain injury,
- receiving medication that may significantly interfere with the actions of VNS on neurotransmitter systems at study entry
- If there is a plan for alteration in upper-extremity therapy or medication for muscle tone during the course of the study;
- medical or mental instability;
- pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Neurorecovery Research Center, TIRR MHH
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Actively Recruiting
2
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, United States, 77030
Not Yet Recruiting
Research Team
R
Radha Korupolu, MD
CONTACT
S
Shrasti Lohiya
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
1
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