Ear zap may unlock stroke recovery secrets
NCT ID NCT06226493
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) can change brain activity and genetic markers in people who recently had a stroke. Forty-four participants with arm weakness will receive either real or sham stimulation. Researchers will measure brain waves (EEG) and look at specific genes to understand how the stimulation might help recovery. This is a preliminary study focused on learning, not on proving a treatment works.
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) via a non-invasive ear clip device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could point toward a non-invasive way to boost motor recovery after stroke and identify which patients might benefit most.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study (44 participants) focused on measuring brain signals and genetic markers, not on proving treatment effectiveness. The results may not lead to a direct therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 44 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * First-time Cerebrovascular Accident (Ischemic or Hemorrhagic) * Within a month post-injury * Presence of motor impairments (FMA-U≤62) Exclusion Criteria: * Advanced cardiac, pulmonary, liver, or kidney disease * Bradycardia (Resting HR \< 60) * Presence of Apraxia, Aphasia or confusion * Other musculoskeletal or neurologic diseases that could interfere with the outcome measures * Previous surgical intervention on the vagus nerve * Participation in other clinical trials * Alcohol or drug abuse
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
RECRUITINGPomona, California, 91769, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Heart hole or stroke trigger? global registry tracks who gets closure and what happens next
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- Can a nurse and a neighbor help tame chronic disease?
- Can PET scans reveal hidden heart inflammation after a stroke?
- Two ways to catch a hidden heart rhythm after stroke