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.
Device: Soterix taVNS model 0125-LTE Stimulator - Active-Active Group
Participants will receive active taVNS stimulation for weeks 1-4 of the stimulation portion of this study.
Device: Soterix taVNS model 0125-LTE Stimulator - Sham-Active Group
Participants will receive sham taVNS stimulation for weeks 1&2 and active stimulation for weeks 3&4 of the stimulation portion of this study.
Inclusion Criteria:
- COVID positive
- At home
- Afebrile
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vertigo
- Anosmia
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Cognitive Processing
Exclusion Criteria:
- Damage to left ear anatomy
- Unstable hemodynamic effects
- Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke after developing COVID
- Unable to give consent, follow instructions
- Unable to read or write or speak English
- No access to home WiFi
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Mark S George, MD, Principal Investigator
Medical University of South Carolina