RM1 Project 2 - tAN fMRI Study
This study is looking at a treatment called transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN), which uses gentle electrical stimulation on your ear. This stimulation targets specific nerves (the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and the auriculotemporal nerve) that may help with chronic pain. We want to see if stimulating both nerves at the same time has a stronger effect on your brain activity compared to stimulating just one nerve. We'll measure these brain changes using an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) scan while you receive the stimulation. You can join if you are between 18 and 65 years old and can give your own consent. We are looking for 96 participants for this study.
- Study design
- This is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study involving 96 participants. It compares different types of electrical stimulation on the ear.
- What's involved
- You would participate in one visit where you receive electrical stimulation through electrodes on your ear while undergoing an fMRI scan.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Brain activity will be measured during the tAN stimulation. No follow-up after this period is specified.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
RM1 Project 2 - tAN fMRI
At a glance
Conditions
NCT05487664
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.
Medical University of South Carolina Institute of Psychiatry
Charleston, South Carolinastudy 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.
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
- BOLD signal changes during stimulation relative to no stimulationDuring tAN
. tAN will will be administered to participants within the bore of the MRI scanner while we acquire high resolution functional neuroimaging. Both a general linear model and SNM approach will be used to examine BOLD signal changes during stimulation relative to rest blocks, comparing each of the four stimulation targets within- and between subjects to determine whether stimulating two cranial nerves produces a more robust neurophysiological effect than either single nerve or sham stimulation alone.