taVNS for Dyslexia

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Florida

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This is a pilot study to establish feasibility of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for improving letter-learning in adolescents with dyslexia. The main goals of the study are to 1) evaluate whether children in this age range will tolerate low level stimulation over the course of multiple sessions, 2) determine whether low level taVNS improves novel letter learning in dyslexia, and 3) evaluate the effect of low level taVNS on the brain's response to letters. Participants will complete fMRI before training, immediately after training, and a few weeks after training ends. Training will consist of six 30-minute lessons during which participants will learn novel letter-sound relationships while receiving either active or sham taVNS. Researchers will compare stimulation conditions to determine effect of this device on learning and neural plasticity.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents with dyslexia who can read at a certain level (scores above or below 90 on reading measures) and have normal non-verbal IQ. It's not for those with other neurological conditions like autism or epilepsy, nor for those taking medications besides ADHD prescriptions.

Inclusion Criteria

You read very well, or you have trouble reading and may have ADHD.

You have a normal non-verbal IQ.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not on ADHD medication.

Your nonverbal IQ is lower than 80.

You have a neurological condition like autism or epilepsy.

Participant Groups

The study tests if taVNS, a low-level nerve stimulation given during letter-learning sessions, helps improve reading skills in dyslexic teens. Participants will receive either real taVNS or sham (fake) treatment to see which is more effective.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Active taVNSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will receive custom current at 5 Hz to the left auricular branch of the vagus nerve while learning new letter-sound relationships.

Group II: Sham taVNSPlacebo Group1 Intervention

Participants will undergo current thresholding but device will be turned off without their knowledge during the training.