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New treatment option for Spinal Cord Injury
Official title Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for Inflammation and Depression Following SCI
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06493071
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been shown to be associated with impairment to the autonomic nervous system in the form of reduced activity of a key nerve known as the vagus nerve. As the vagus nerve has an important role in regulating inflammation and is associated with depression, it may represent a key mechanism which contributes to chronic inflammation and depression following SCI.
- You might receive a placebo (an inactive treatment) instead of the study drug, decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- SCI of any level or severity
- 18 years of age or older
- scores suggesting mild - moderately severe depression on the PHQ-9 (5 - 19)
- stable dose of depression medications
You likely can't join if
- Prone to autonomic dysreflexia
- Severe depression as assessed by PHQ-9 (≥20)
- Suicidal ideation
- presence of cardiovascular disease
- pacemaker or other implanted electrical device (e.g. cochlear implant, implanted vagus nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker)
- people with cerebral shunts
See the full eligibility criteria
- SCI of any level or severity
- 18 years of age or older
- scores suggesting mild - moderately severe depression on the PHQ-9 (5 - 19)
- stable dose of depression medications
- Prone to autonomic dysreflexia
- Severe depression as assessed by PHQ-9 (≥20)
- Suicidal ideation
- presence of cardiovascular disease
- pacemaker or other implanted electrical device (e.g. cochlear implant, implanted vagus nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker)
- people with cerebral shunts
- people with epilepsy
- people who pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it's taking place
- London, Ontario, Canada
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part - confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
Study sites include London, Ontario, Canada. Enter your location above to see the nearest site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool - not medical advice, and not the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov; the study team decides eligibility.