Effect of Transauricular Vagal Stimulation on Cardiac Function After Spinal Cord Injury

The Effect of Transauricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on Cardiac Autonomic Functions in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on cardiac autonomic functions in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Spinal cord injury impairs autonomic pathways and ultimately cardiovascular homeostasis. Spinal cord injury affects the autonomic system, resulting in impaired cardiac autonomic functions. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on cardiac autonomic functions in patients with spinal cord injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged between 18-60
2. Having a traumatic spinal cord injury
3. Cervical spinal cord injury patients with a history of autonomic dysreflexia
4. At least 6 months after the injury
5. Signing an informed consent form showing consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having a cardiac or neural pacemaker
2. Presence of pregnancy
3. Clinical coronary artery disease confirmed by invasive or coronary computed tomographic angiography
4. History of acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina, myocardial infarction)
5. Documented arrhythmia and/or use of antiarrhythmic drugs on ECG
6. Diagnosis of hypertension and use of antihypertensive drugs
7. Damaged skin lesion in the application area