Mapping Auricular Vagus Nerve Circuitry Study
This study is looking at how a non-painful type of nerve stimulation, called transcutaneous electro-acupoint stimulation (TEAS), affects the brain, stomach, and automatic body functions. Researchers want to understand the basic ways this stimulation works. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 65 years old and have functional dyspepsia (upset stomach without a clear cause). The study will measure brain activity using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and stomach activity using gastric MRI to see if the stimulation has an effect. The goal is to learn more about how this type of nerve stimulation impacts the body.
- Study design
- This interventional study plans to enroll 50 healthy participants. It involves three brain-gut scans while receiving the nerve stimulation.
- What's involved
- You will have three fMRI brain-gut scans while receiving transcutaneous electro-acupoint stimulation. Your heart rate, breathing, and stomach activity will also be monitored during all visits.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Brain activity will be measured at 1 hour, and stomach activity at 30 minutes.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Mapping Auricular Vagus Nerve Circuitry
At a glance
Conditions
NCT00200889
Where you'd take part
This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed
Recruiting
Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.
Study leadership
- Vitaly Napadow, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Harvard University
Who to contact
Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Brain activity during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)1 hour
Blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) signal change between active and inactive auricular tVNS
- Stomach activity during gastric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)30 minutes
Gastric accommodation and sensitivity change between active and inactive auricular tVNS