Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for Inflammation and Depression Following SCI

What this study is about

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been shown to be associated with impairment to the autonomic nervous system in the form of reduced activity of a key nerve known as the vagus nerve. As the vagus nerve has an important role in regulating inflammation and is associated with depression, it may represent a key mechanism which contributes to chronic inflammation and depression following SCI. A technique known as transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can stimulate the vagus nerve non-invasively through an electrode applied on the skin of the ear. This technique has been shown to effectively reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of depression in other populations without any serious adverse events. However, it has not been assessed in individuals with SCI. The primary objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of taVNS therapy for the treatment of inflammation and depression. Autonomic function as assessed by measures of heart rate variability (HRV) will also be assessed to quantify changes in vagal tone. The study will be conducted over a 2-year period, with 44 individuals with SCI and depression participating. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active taVNS or a placebo (sham) treatment over a 30-day period. The researchers will assess changes in depression symptoms, autonomic function (heart rate variability), and biomarkers related to inflammation at baseline and 30-days. Safety and adherence will also be evaluated to confirm the feasibility for long-term use. This study aims to explore a novel and non-invasive treatment strategy for depression in individuals with spinal cord injury. If taVNS is found to be safe, effective, and feasible for SCI patients, it could offer a simple, cost-effective way to address chronic inflammation and depression in this population.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• SCI of any level or severity
• 18 years of age or older
• scores suggesting mild - moderately severe depression on the PHQ-9 (5 - 19)
• stable dose of depression medications

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Prone to autonomic dysreflexia
• Severe depression as assessed by PHQ-9 (≥20)
• Suicidal ideation
• presence of cardiovascular disease
• pacemaker or other implanted electrical device (e.g. cochlear implant, implanted vagus nerve stimulator, cardiac pacemaker)
• people with cerebral shunts
• people with epilepsy
• people who pregnant or attempting to become pregnant.

Where this trial is running

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

Who to contact

David J Allison, PhD. · 519 646 6100 · David.Allison@sjhc.london.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06493071.