Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

This study is looking at whether a non-invasive treatment called auricular vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) can help patients who have experienced a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the space around the brain). Auricular VNS involves using a device to stimulate a nerve in the ear. Researchers want to see if this stimulation can lower inflammation in the blood and spinal fluid, and if it leads to better recovery outcomes. You might be able to join if you've had a spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and are at least 18 years old. However, you cannot participate if your hemorrhage was caused by trauma, if you are undergoing chemotherapy, taking immunosuppressive medications, have a pacemaker, or have prolonged slow heart rate upon admission. The study aims to enroll 50 participants and its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study where participants will be randomly assigned to receive either auricular VNS or a sham (inactive) device. It aims to enroll 50 participants.
What's involved
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be collected upon admission and regularly throughout your hospital stay. Clinical events will be tracked during your hospitalization.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Outcomes will be tracked at discharge and during follow-up visits for up to 2 years after discharge.

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NCT04557618

Auricular VNS Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalTreatment
Anna Huguenard
~50 participants
Updated 2025-12-26 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Auricular Vagus Nerve StimulationSham Auricular Vagus nerve Stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Inflammatory markers in the serum on admission
Measured over On hospital day 1
+5 more outcomes measured
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
1 sites across 1 states
Missouri1
  • Eric C Leuthardt, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Washington University School of Medicine

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

Exclusion

Trauma-induced subarachnoid hemorrhage
Ongoing chemotherapy
Taking immunosuppressive medications for other medical illnesses
Presence of a pacemaker
Prolonged bradycardia at time of admission
  • Inflammatory markers in the serum on admissionOn hospital day 1

    TNF alpha from blood draw

  • Change in inflammatory markers in the serumThrough hospital admission, average of 4 weeks

    TNF alpha from blood draws

  • Inflammatory markers in the CSF on admissionOn hospital day 1

    TNF alpha from cerebrospinal fluid

  • Change in inflammatory markers in the CSFThrough hospital admission, average of 4 weeks

    TNF alpha from cerebrospinal fluid

  • Cerebral vasospasmThrough hospital admission, average of 4 weeks

    Presence of moderate/severe radiographic vasospasm

  • HydrocephalusThrough hospital admission, average of 4 weeks

    Need for permanent CSF diversion via a ventricular shunt