sTMS + taVNS for Hemiplegia

This trial explores a new approach to help infants with cerebral palsy or similar conditions where one arm is weaker. The treatment combines transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which activates specific brain circuits, with intense motor activities to enhance motor function. Additionally, the trial uses single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) to assess its potential in predicting which infants will benefit most from this therapy. The trial seeks infants aged 8–24 months who have noticeable weakness in one arm and can participate in a 2-week treatment program followed by a 3-month check-in.

As an unphased trial, this study offers infants a unique opportunity to potentially benefit from cutting-edge therapies and contribute to groundbreaking research.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Research has shown that transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), combined with specific motor exercises, can improve arm and hand movement in stroke recovery. One study found that taVNS boosts upper limb function, possibly by affecting brain activity on both sides.

Regarding safety, another study on taVNS for arm recovery after a stroke found no serious side effects, indicating that most people tolerate the treatment well.

Researchers are excited about the combination of sTMS (synchronized transcranial magnetic stimulation) and taVNS (transauricular vagus nerve stimulation) for treating hemiplegia because it offers a novel approach to rehabilitation. Unlike traditional therapies that primarily focus on physical rehabilitation exercises, this treatment targets the brain and nervous system directly. sTMS aims to stimulate brain activity, while taVNS works by activating the vagus nerve to enhance neuroplasticity. This dual approach could potentially accelerate recovery and improve motor function more effectively than current methods.

Research has shown that a gentle nerve stimulation technique called transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), combined with focused physical activities, can improve movement in infants with weakness on one side of the body, a common issue in early cerebral palsy. Studies have found that taVNS enhances movement therapy, leading to better use of the arms and hands. Similar treatments have improved upper body movement in stroke patients by increasing brain activity. Additionally, taVNS has reduced the size of brain damage and aided movement recovery in animals. In this trial, participants will receive sTMS with taVNS paired with CIMT. These findings suggest that taVNS, especially when combined with specific therapies, could benefit infants with brain injuries by improving their motor skills.¹²³⁵⁶