Mapping Auricular Vagus Nerve Circuitry
Purpose
This study will determine how vagus nerve stimulation affects human brain, stomach, and autonomic activity.
Condition
- Healthy
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 18 Years and 60 Years
- Eligible Genders
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Right-handed
Exclusion Criteria
- Any condition contraindicating an fMRI brain scan - Any neurological or psychiatric disorders - Any pain syndromes
Study Design
- Phase
- Early Phase 1
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- N/A
- Intervention Model
- Single Group Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
---|---|---|
Experimental auricular tVNS |
active and inactive auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) |
|
Recruiting Locations
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Massachusetts General Hospital
Detailed Description
Scientific research into the basic mechanisms underlying neuromodulation is relatively recent and incomplete. The purpose of the proposed study is to determine how a form of neuromodulation, transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, which is non-invasive and non-painful, affects human brain and autonomic activity. We will accomplish this by integrating whole brain functional MRI (fMRI) methodologies with gastric MRI and physiological monitoring. This study will comprise 2 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain-gut scans and 2 behavioral visits consisting of a nutrient drink test, all while receiving the neuromodulation with varying parameters. Participants will also have their heart rate, breathing, and gastric activity monitored during all visits.