Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury
United States14 participantsStarted 2016-10
Plain-language summary
The purpose of this single-center, prospective, randomized (1:1), double-blind, sham-controlled parallel-arm pilot study is to provide initial evidence of use of the noninvasive vagus nerve stimulator for treatment in patients recovering from concussion and moderate traumatic brain injury to improve clinical recovery. The study compares the safety and effectiveness of an active gammaCore treatment against a sham treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Written Informed Consent obtained by Subject or Subject's proxy.
. Is between the ages of 18 and 60 years, male or female.
. Meets the criteria of the Head Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, which defines a head injury as a traumatically induced physiologic disruption of brain function, as manifested by one of the following:
. Meets the criteria for moderate TBI as defined by the Head Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, which are as follows:
. Has had a craniotomy, but those with hydrocephalus or active intracranial pressure elevation will be excluded.
. Able to accurately communicate the sensation of amplitude of intensity by the stimulation treatment with the GammaCore device.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.