Ear stimulation to reduce brain damage after stroke

This study tests a treatment called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)—a non-invasive device that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to a nerve in your ear. Researchers believe this stimulation can help calm your body's inflammatory response after a stroke, potentially reducing brain damage and improving recovery. The treatment is quick to apply and can be started immediately in the hospital right after your stroke.

After a stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel, your brain can suffer additional damage from inflammation and swelling—even after the blockage is cleared. Current treatments don't fully prevent this secondary injury, and many stroke patients still face significant long-term disability. This trial is testing whether the treatment can activate your body's natural anti-inflammatory systems to better protect your brain during the critical hours and days after stroke.