taVNS for Persistent Symptoms From Lyme Disease (NCT05776251) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
taVNS for Persistent Symptoms From Lyme Disease
United States24 participantsStarted 2023-05-08
Plain-language summary
This study is one of the first studies to investigate a non-antibiotic approach to the treatment of symptoms that persist after antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease (PTLS). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) offers the potential of being an effective and non-toxic approach to reduce the burden of multisystem symptoms in patients with PTLS. This study seeks to address an important goal: to assess the safety, feasibility, and tolerability of a new non-invasive, non-pharmacologic treatment for patients with symptoms that persist despite prior antibiotic treatment for Lyme disease.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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:
* History of either Definite or Highly Probable Past Lyme disease diagnosed and treated by a health care provider more than 6 months previously.
* Have one or more current symptoms attributed to Lyme disease that were also present during the initial 6-month period after diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of Lyme disease.
* Individuals reporting that current symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in functioning.
* Previously treated for Lyme disease with at least two courses of antibiotics considered appropriate for Lyme disease.
* Individuals who agree to not start a new medical or psychiatric treatment (that might impact study outcomes) for their chronic symptoms during the course of this study (unless deemed necessary by their primary care physician (PCP)).
* Individuals whose current treatment (that might impact study outcomes) has been stable for at least 6 weeks prior to baseline visit.
* Lives in the U.S. and owns a smartphone, tablet or computer with Internet access.
* Able to read and understand English to be able to provide informed consent.
* Able and willing to come to Columbia University Irving Medical Center in NYC for 3-5 study visits.
* Willingness to have a 12-lead electrocardiogram (EKG) when evaluated on site and, if an EKG was conducted in the past year, willingness to try to obtain that EKG for us to review.
* Current moderate to severe fatigue. At least moderate intensity at study screening (a score of 4 or more …
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.