Auricular VNS Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Auricular VNS Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
This study will evaluate whether non-invasive auricular vagal nerve stimulation lowers
 inflammatory markers, and improves outcomes following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has been studied in several inflammatory conditions, and has
 been implemented in animal models of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with promising results.
 The purpose of the proposed study is to determine how applying auricular VNS in patients
 presenting with spontaneous SAH impacts their expression of inflammatory markers in their
 blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and how it impacts their clinical course and outcomes.

 This study will involve randomizing patients to stimulation with VNS, or sham stimulation.
 Blood and CSF will be collected on admission, and serially throughout the patient's
 admission. Clinical events tracked during the hospital stay include development of cerebral
 vasospasm, need for CSF diversion via a shunt, stress-induced cardiomyopathy, and development
 of stroke or global cerebral ischemia. Outcomes following admission will include functional
 scores at discharge, and at follow-up visits for up to 2 years after discharge.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Trauma-induced subarachnoid hemorrhage

 -  Ongoing chemotherapy

 -  Taking immunosuppressive medications for other medical illnesses

 -  Presence of a pacemaker

 -  Prolonged bradycardia at time of admission