Two Ways of Stimulating the Vagus Nerve to Help Recovery After Stroke
Compares ear and neck nerve stimulation with exercises in people after stroke.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Comperative Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular and Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Subacute Stroke Patients
Key facts
- Where
- Lahore, PakistanSee 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 45 and 70 years old?
Source: NCT07253870, who can take part
Where in Pakistan
- Shadman Medical Center, Stroke RehabilitationLahore, PakistanTaking people
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
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
- Trial code
- NCT07253870
- Record updated
- 18 June 2026
- Original description
This study aims to determine whether transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) via auricular or cervical branches enhances recovery when combined with task-specific training in subacute stroke patients. We anticipate finding that both stimulation methods may improve upper limb motor function compared to conventional therapy. The research is expected to reveal specific cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive function) that benefit most from each stimulation approach, while also demonstrating meaningful improvements in patients' quality of life measures. These findings may make a significant practical contribution by providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance on suitable tVNS approach for improving functional independence and quality of life for stroke survivors.Read full original descriptionShow less
Comparative Effects of Transcutaneous Auricular and Cervical Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Upper Limb Function, Cognition and Quality of Life in Subacute Stroke Patients
This study aims to determine whether transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) via auricular or cervical branches enhances recovery when combined with task-specific training in subacute stroke patients. We anticipate finding that both stimulation methods may improve upper limb motor function compared to conventional therapy. The research is expected to reveal specific cognitive domains (attention, memory, executive function) that benefit most from each stimulation approach, while also demonstrating meaningful improvements in patients' quality of life measures. These findings may make a significant practical contribution by providing clinicians with evidence-based guidance on suitable tVNS approach for improving functional independence and quality of life for stroke survivors.
Inclusion: First ever ischemic stroke; Subacute phase of stroke 3-6 months post onset; Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) scores ranged from 20 - 50.
Exclusion: Previous injury or surgical intervention of vagus nerve; Patients with cardiac arrest and arrythmias; Uncontrolled hypertension; Other neurologic or musculoskeletal diseases; Apraxia; Presence of implanted electronic devices.