Explore the effects of auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on brain and stomach outcomes in functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis patients.
The primary aims of this study are to 1) investigate the effects of auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on brain-gut signaling using a liquid meal test in functional dyspepsia (FD) and gastroparesis (GP) patients using combined gastric, autonomic and neuroimaging measures, and 2) evaluate the effectiveness of taVNS on FD and GP symptoms. A total of 25 FD and 25 GP patients will be enrolled in this study, both females and males, ranging between 18 and 65 years of age. There will be multiple study visits consisting of a screening, baseline testing, consumption of a liquid meal, and fMRI brain and gut imaging sessions. Visits will include active and inactive taVNS delivered to the outer ear at a moderate, non-painful level.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
65
Active or inactive taVNS delivered to the external ear at a moderate, non-painful level.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGNeuroimaging
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
Time frame: 2 hours
Electrogastrography (EGG)
We will use EGG to measure slow wave myoelectrical activity, as measured by EGG power/peak frequency.
Time frame: 2 hours
Electrocardiography (ECG)
We will use ECG to examine high frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV), i.e. the R-peak of the QRS complex.
Time frame: 2 hours
Respiration
Respiration will be measured in beats per minute (bpm).
Time frame: 2 hours
Skin Conductance Levels (SCL)
SCL will measured in volts per second.
Time frame: 2 hours
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