Clinical Trials

This study is a randomized, sham-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) using the Sparrow Link device for the reduction of Acute Stress Disorder symptoms following motor vehicle crash. A total of 120 participants will be enrolled and randomized into an active or sham tAN group where participants will use tAN daily for at least one hour for a period of two weeks upon leaving the emergency department. Primary outcome assessments will occur during the first three weeks following MVC, with additional follow-up assessments conducted for an additional nine weeks.

The study will involve a 5-day tAN treatment to attenuate alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and alter resting state functional connectivity (RSFC) between OFC and striatum in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Enrolled participants will wear the tAN device on-site (at The Menninger Clinic) for the 5-day detox treatment period. Participants with AUD will be single-blinded randomized into 2 groups - a treatment group (active tAN) and a placebo group (sham tAN). Each group will consist of five separate time points - admission, screening, baseline, tAN treatment, and post tAN treatment. Clinical measures collected before, during, and after treatment will include alcohol withdrawal severity, craving, benzodiazepine usage, and assessments of depression and suicidal behaviors. Participants will undergo MRI scans before and after the treatment period to assess changes in brain connectivity and their relationship to clinical outcomes.

This study is designed as a prospective, single-arm, decentralized, pilot study evaluating daily transcutaneous auricular neurostimulation (tAN) in first responders with at least mild anxiety. The goal of the study is to test whether daily tAN can improve anxiety, perceived stress, sleep quality, overall well-being, and burnout after one month. The outcomes of this study are measured via standardized patient-reported questionnaires. Enrolled participants use tAN for 28 days (>= 1 hour/day), followed by a 28-day observational follow-up period during which questionnaires continue without active treatment.

The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to determine if tAN therapy can reduce the volume of blood lost during dialysis AV graft placement procedures. Blood loss and blood markers will be measured before and during the procedure to measure the effect of the therapy. Surgery time and time to hemostasis will also be measured.