RecruitingPost Operative DeliriumCognitive ImpairmentVagus Nerve Stimulation

Effects of Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Post-Surgical Return to Consciousness, Delirium, and Depression

Eligible age

18+ yrs

Accepts

All genders

Locations

1 state

Healthy volunteers

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About this study

This study will examine whether noninvasive, transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) can help restore consciousness in patients in the operating room and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The study will also investigate if tcVNS can expedite discharge from the PACU and examine whether tcVNS administerd in the PACU helps reduce delirium and depression after surgery. The study will also evaluate whether tcVNS speeds cognitive recovery from emergence of anesthesia and surgery.

Sponsor: Northwestern University

You may qualify if…

✓ 1. Aged \> 18 years of age
✓ 2. Patients undergoing lumbar surgery for degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis involving two or more levels
✓ 3. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥ 18 - accept mild
✓ 4. Ability to use a keyboard
✓ 5. Able to understand and communicate in English
✓ 6. Be able to consent independently
✓ 7. Women of child-bearing age must be comfortable confirming a negative pregnancy prior to participating in the study.
✓ 8. Must not be involved in any other research intervention study testing neurobehavioral functioning

You may not qualify if…

✕ 1. Age \< 18 years of age
✕ 2. History of vagotomy (cutting the vagus nerve)
✕ 3. History of bradycardia, heart block, prolonged QT syndrome, brugada syndrome, heart failure with ejection fraction less than 35% and/or New York Heart Association symptoms
✕ 4. MoCA \< 18
✕ 5. History of seizure disorder or intracranial hemorrhage
✕ 6. Patients with carotid stenosis
✕ 7. Patients with aneurysms
✕ 8. Other neurological diagnoses or a diagnosis of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g., psychosis) or a reported childhood learning disability

Where it's recruiting

Illinois

Chicago

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT07610655 · last updated 2026-05-28