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Neuromodulation as an Anti-inflammatory Treatment in SCI

Spinal Cord Injuries | Inflammation

The goal of this single-blinded randomized, controlled trial is to assess the impact of 1-hour of active transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) vs sham taVNS on serum biomarkers of the inflammatory reflex and inflammation in individuals with spinal cord injury.

The main question it aims to answer is: whether taVNS is a safe and effective anti-inflammatory intervention for individuals with SCI. Participants will perform a single 1-hour bout of the respective taVNS treatment with blood draws prior to treatment, immediately following treatment, and 24 hours following treatment. Changes in biomarkers between the active and sham taVNS conditions will be compared.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    ALL

  • Eligible Ages:

    18 and up

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Any level of severity of spinal cord injury
* 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnant or attempting to become pregnant
* people with active implants (e.g. cochlear implant, implanted vagus nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker)
* people with cerebral shunts

Study Location

Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London
Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London
London, Ontario
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

David J Allison, PhD

[email protected]
2896680656
Study Sponsored By
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute and Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: NCT05730049