Vagus nerve stimulation paired with language learning after stroke
Tests vagus nerve stimulation during language learning in stroke survivors with an implanted device.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Vagal Nerve Stimulation To Enhance Cognition and Learning
Key facts
- Where
- Stony Brook, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Stony Brook University HospitalStony Brook, 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
- Stony Brook University
- Trial code
- NCT07719387
- Record updated
- 22 July 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this study is to find out whether pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with cognitive training can improve memory and language learning in people who have previously used VNS therapy for movement rehabilitation after a stroke. VNS has been previously used to support motor recovery after stroke, but its effect on cognitive learning is not yet fully understood. This study is enrolling individuals who already have a VNS device implanted and have successfully completed VNS-assisted movement therapy. The investigators aim to explore whether continuing to use the device during a language learning program may also support memory and cognitive improvement. This is a research study, which means the use of VNS for cognitive enhancement is experimental and not currently part of standard treatment. An exploratory MRI/fMRI component also will assess whether VNS-paired language learning is associated with changes in task-based activation and resting-state functional connectivity in language, memory, salience/arousal, and frontoparietal cognitive-control networks. The information learned may help guide future approaches to stroke rehabilitation and cognitive recovery.Read full original descriptionShow less
Evaluation of Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired With Cognitive Training to Enhance Learning and Memory and Neural Plasticity in Post-Stroke Patients
The purpose of this study is to find out whether pairing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) with cognitive training can improve memory and language learning in people who have previously used VNS therapy for movement rehabilitation after a stroke. VNS has been previously used to support motor recovery after stroke, but its effect on cognitive learning is not yet fully understood. This study is enrolling individuals who already have a VNS device implanted and have successfully completed VNS-assisted movement therapy. The investigators aim to explore whether continuing to use the device during a language learning program may also support memory and cognitive improvement. This is a research study, which means the use of VNS for cognitive enhancement is experimental and not currently part of standard treatment. An exploratory MRI/fMRI component also will assess whether VNS-paired language learning is associated with changes in task-based activation and resting-state functional connectivity in language, memory, salience/arousal, and frontoparietal cognitive-control networks. The information learned may help guide future approaches to stroke rehabilitation and cognitive recovery.
Inclusion: Adults aged 22 years or older; History of stroke; Implanted with a Vivistim™ VNS device; Monolingual in English; Home-dwelling and independent in activities of daily living; No prior language training in the selected language of learning; Tolerated 6 weeks of movement therapy at 0.8 mA without incident and has used the device for at-home stimulation without incident; Willing and able to participate in a six-week at-home intervention; Clinically stable, without major concurrent medical conditions that would interfere with study participation.
Exclusion: Unable to commit to 6 weeks of therapy; Significant uncorrected hearing or visual impairment; Any medical condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would make participation unsafe; Younger than 22 years of age; Severe aphasia; Unable to read and/or write in English; Pregnancy; Prisoner or ward of the state.