Ear stimulation may boost arm recovery after spinal injury
NCT ID NCT06543277
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) is safe and practical when used during arm and hand therapy for people with chronic incomplete cervical spinal cord injury. Twelve adults will receive 18 therapy sessions over six weeks, followed by a home exercise program. The main goal is to check for side effects and see if participants can stick with the treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new way to improve arm and hand function after spinal cord injury by combining nerve stimulation with rehabilitation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage safety study with only 12 participants. It is not designed to prove whether the treatment works, and results may not apply to a broader population.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Neurorecovery Research Center, TIRR MHH
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States