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Ear nerve zaps could limit stroke damage, early study hopes

NCT ID NCT07404852

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether a gentle electrical stimulation of a nerve in the ear (the vagus nerve) can reduce brain injury and inflammation after a severe stroke. Researchers will measure brain damage markers in the blood of 65 participants over a week. The goal is to see if this safe, non-invasive technique might help the brain heal better when added to standard stroke care.

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 vagal nerve stimulation (a device that stimulates a nerve in the ear)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to reduce brain damage and inflammation after a stroke, potentially improving recovery.
What could go wrong
This is a very early pilot study with only 65 people. It is designed to test safety and measure biological markers, not to prove it improves patient outcomes. The treatment may not show any benefit.

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.

cerebral artery occlusion ischemic stroke large artery stroke

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE LARGE VESSEL OCCLUSION

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Barnes-Jewish Hospital

    RECRUITING

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

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