Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Treatment for Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury (NCT07588711)
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) as an Anti-inflammatory Strategy for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This pilot randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical investigation will evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 30-day home-based transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) intervention in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neuropathic pain. Participants will be randomized to receive either active taVNS targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve or sham taVNS delivered to the earlobe. Primary outcomes include feasibility, safety, adherence, acceptability, and blinding success. Exploratory outcomes include changes in neuropathic pain, systemic inflammatory biomarkers, vagal tone assessed via heart rate variability, and quality of life.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London — London, Ontario
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London — London, Ontario
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (519) 646-6100
Email: David.Allison@sjhc.london.on.ca
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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Explore by condition: All Spinal Cord Injury clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.