Wireless nerve stimulation device paired with rehabilitation after stroke
Tests a wireless vagus nerve stimulation device during rehabilitation in adults with stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Wireless Nerve Stimulation Device To Enhance Recovery After Stroke
Key facts
- Where
- Dallas, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 22 and 79 years old?
Source: NCT04534556, who can take part
Where in United States
- Baylor Scott & White Institute for RehabilitationDallas, United StatesNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Baylor Research Institute
- Trial code
- NCT04534556
- Record updated
- 15 June 2026
- Original description
Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) has developed an innovative strategy to enhance recovery of motor and sensory function after neurological injury termed targeted plasticity therapy (TPT). This technique uses brief pulses of vagus nerve stimulation to engage pro-plasticity neuromodulatory circuits during rehabilitation exercises. Preclinical findings demonstrate that VNS paired with rehabilitative training enhances recovery in multiple models of neurological injury, including stroke, spinal cord injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Recovery is associated with neural plasticity in spared motor networks in the brain and spinal cord. Moreover, two initial studies and a recently completed Phase 3 clinical trial using a commercially available device demonstrates that paired VNS with rehabilitation is safe and improves motor recovery after stroke. The purpose of this study is to extend these findings and evaluate whether VNS delivered with the new device paired with rehabilitation represents a safe and feasible strategy to improve recovery of motor and sensory function in participants with stroke.Read full original descriptionShow less
Wireless Nerve Stimulation Device To Enhance Recovery After Stroke
Texas Biomedical Device Center (TxBDC) has developed an innovative strategy to enhance recovery of motor and sensory function after neurological injury termed targeted plasticity therapy (TPT). This technique uses brief pulses of vagus nerve stimulation to engage pro-plasticity neuromodulatory circuits during rehabilitation exercises. Preclinical findings demonstrate that VNS paired with rehabilitative training enhances recovery in multiple models of neurological injury, including stroke, spinal cord injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury. Recovery is associated with neural plasticity in spared motor networks in the brain and spinal cord. Moreover, two initial studies and a recently completed Phase 3 clinical trial using a commercially available device demonstrates that paired VNS with rehabilitation is safe and improves motor recovery after stroke. The purpose of this study is to extend these findings and evaluate whether VNS delivered with the new device paired with rehabilitation represents a safe and feasible strategy to improve recovery of motor and sensory function in participants with stroke.
Inclusion: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:; Provision of signed and dated informed consent form; Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study; Adult, aged 22-79; Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke that occurred ≥ 12 months prior to enrollment; UEFM score of 20 to 50; Modified Rankin Score of 2, 3, or 4; Right vocal cord has normal movement when assessed by laryngoscopy; Women of reproductive potential must use contraceptive protection; Meets all clinical criteria for the surgical VNS implantation as determined by the PI, surgeon, and anesthesiologist.
Exclusion: Receiving any therapy (medication or otherwise) that would interfere with VNS, such as drugs that perturb neurotransmitter action (anticholinergics, adrenergic blockers, etc.); Prior injury to vagus nerve; Clinical complications that hinder or contraindicate the surgical procedure; Participants with sickle cell, lupus, clotting disorders or active neoplastic disease; Participants with any any medical condition or other circumstances that might interfere with their ability to return for follow-up visits in the judgment of the Investigator; Any condition which, in the judgment of the Investigator, would preclude adequate evaluation of device's safety and performance; Recent history of syncope; Recent history of dysphagia; Uncontrolled hypertension; An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:; Deficits in language or attention that interfere with study participation; Severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth ≥ 3); Medical or mental instability that would likely interfere with study protocol; Presence of any other implanted electrical stimulation device; Lactating, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant; Participation in another interventional clinical trial; Abusive use of alcohol and/or illegal substances use; Current or anticipated requirement for diathermy; Diagnosed with Cerebral amyloid angiopathy.