Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Enhanced Recovery in the NeuroICU
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study will demonstrate the impact of taVNS on reducing adverse events in NeuroICU patients, determine if taVNS reduces length of stay, and quantify the economic benefits of taVNS implementation in a broader neurocritical care population.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥18 * Admission to the NeuroICU within 36 hours of onset of an acute medical condition. * Patient or authorized legal representative should be able to provide consent within 36 hours of ICU arrival * Presence of at least one predictor of critical illness and/or severe brain / spinal cord injury: * Glasgow Coma Scale GCS \>3 \& \<= 12 at admission * NIH stroke scale of 6 or greater * Requirement for ongoing mechanical ventilation * Requirement for ongoing vasopressor support * Diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage * Diagnosis of intracerebral hemorrhage with hematoma volume \> 5 ml * Diagnosis of moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (GCS \>3 \& \<= 12) * Refractory Status epilepticus requiring continuous sedative infusions Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic immunosuppression * Receiving ongoing cancer therapy * Implanted electrical device (e.g., pacemaker, stimulator) * Bradycardia on admission (Sustained bradycardia on arrival with a heart rate \< 50 bpm for \>5