The goal of this study is to learn about the acute pupil response to transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in stroke survivors and healthy adults. The main question it aims to answer is whether pupil size response is greater with bilateral tVNS compared to unilateral tVNS. Participants will receive tVNS and sham at the outer ear unilaterally and bilaterally in resting condition. The pupil size of the participants will be recorded during tVNS.
Who can participate
Age range18 Years – 89 Years
SexALL
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Inclusion Criteria:
* 18-89 years old across all races, genders, and ethnicities.
* Post-stroke subjects will have persistent hemiparesis on the upper extremity (UE) with some residual UE voluntary movement.
Exclusion Criteria:
Able-bodied subjects:
* Younger than 18 years old or older than 89 years old
* Current or history of cardiac disease
* Have a vision problem not corrected by glasses or contact lenses
* Have an implanted device such as a neurostimulator or cochlear implant
* Current or history of tympanic membrane perforation
* Had a stroke or lesion (including tumor) in your brain
* Had a head injury or brain surgery
* Suffer from frequent or severe headaches
* Had a fainting spell or syncope
* Have any metal in the head such as shrapnel, surgical clips, or fragments from welding or metal work
* Have any implanted device such as cardiac pacemakers, medical pumps, or intra-cardiac lines
* Had any brain-related conditions (i.e. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer)
* Had any illness that caused brain injury (i.e. meningitis, aneurysm, brain tumor)
* Had any head trauma that was associated with a loss of consciousness or diagnosed as a concussion
* Being treated for any psychiatric condition (i.e. depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia)
* Suspected of pregnancy
Post-stroke subjects:
* Younger than 18 years old or older than 89 years old
* Current or history of cardiac disease
* Have a vision problem not corrected by glasses or contact lenses
* Have any implan…