The purpose of the research is to test out a new form of treatment that examines stimulation of a nerve in the participant's ear. This is called transcutaneous (through the skin) auricular (ear) vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) which means that the participant will receive stimulation through the ear. The taVNS device looks like an ear bud used with a smart phone or computer. The study team is investigating whether or not taVNS can treat neurologic symptoms of COVID-19 which are termed NEUROCOVID. Some symptoms the participant may experience are new onset anxiety, depression, vertigo, loss of smell, headaches, fatigue, irritability, etc. This study is entirely online and all assessments will be completed virtually.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
13
Participants will receive active taVNS stimulation for weeks 1-4 of the stimulation portion of this study.
Participants will receive sham taVNS stimulation for weeks 1\&2 and active stimulation for weeks 3\&4 of the stimulation portion of this study.
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Change in Score of Patient Health Questionnaire-9
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a 9-question instrument given to patients in a primary care setting to screen for the presence and severity of depression. Scores range from 0-27. Higher scores mean worse symptoms. Remission -minimal to absence of symptoms; PHQ-9 score \< 5. Response -50% or greater decrease in PHQ-9 baseline severity; residual symptoms remain. Partial Response -26% to 49% decrease in PHQ-9 baseline severity. Non-response -less than 25% decrease in PHQ-9 baseline severity.
Time frame: Baseline and week 4 (End of Treatment)
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