RESEARCH SUPPORT
Enhancing Speech Processing In A Rat Model Of Autism Using Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Principal Investigator: Crystal T. Engineer, PhD
Funding Agency: NIH
One of the major obstacles facing individuals with autism is the inability to communicate effectively. Expensive, time-consuming behavioral interventions can improve behavioral outcomes, but many individuals undergo these interventions and still have trouble communicating. The development of new treatments that can improve communication is essential to improve the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We have developed a new way to rewire the brain and improve communication using vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with speech. Recent preclinical and clinical findings indicate that VNS paired with sensory or motor rehabilitation can enhance functional recovery compared to rehabilitative therapy alone. This proposal will evaluate whether VNS paired with auditory training can enhance rehabilitation in the context of autism.
Exploring a Potential Treatment for Auditory Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Principal Investigator: Crystal Engineer, PhD
Funding Agency: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation
Crystal T. Engineer, Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, will explore a potential treatment for auditory symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. People with autism often struggle to process speech, and experience hearing deficits even after training to strengthen their auditory skills. Dr. Engineer will test whether such training has stronger effects when paired with stimulation of the vagus nerve, which contributes to sensory processing. She hopes to point toward better treatment for auditory deficits among people with autism, and to identify brain networks involved in the improvement of sound processing.
Hearing Restoration Through Synaptic Plasticity Directed by Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Principal Investigator: Michael P. Kilgard, PhD
Funding Agency: CDMRP
Individuals with hearing loss are likely to struggle to communicate in noisy settings even if they have the most modern assistive devices. The mechanisms that the brain uses to turn up the volume after hearing loss often make the problem worse. Our team has strong animal and human evidence that appropriately targeted brain plasticity can be highly effective in treating serious clinical conditions. Our approach is based on fifty years of neuroscience research. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a safe and effective method to trigger release of neurotransmitters that increase brain plasticity. By pairing VNS with specific sounds, it is possible to direct highly-focused and long-lasting brain changes that can improve function.
Enhancing Recovery after Chronic Bilateral Cervical Spinal Cord Injury with Targeted Plasticity Therapy
Principal Investigator: Michael P. Kilgard, PhD and Robert L. Rennaker, PhD
Funding Agency: NIH
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major cause of disability, currently affecting 276,000 individuals in the U.S. alone and millions more worldwide. Cervical SCI (cSCI) accounts for 55% of all SCIs and typically results in impaired upper extremity motor function. The majority of cSCI patients have bilateral damage to the spinal cord. Identifying and developing rehabilitative therapies that promote recovery of upper extremity function after bilateral cSCI is of great clinical importance. This grant will allow TxBDC to test the utility of vagus nerve stimulation in increasing movement after spinal cord injury.
PUBLICATIONS
March 8, 2019 |
Frontiers in Neuroscience
Targeted Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Rehabilitation After Stroke
March 5, 2019 | Journal of Neuroscience Methods
ReStore: a wireless peripheral nerve stimulation system
February 15, 2019 | Methods and Protocols
Protocol for Construction of Rat Nerve Stimulation Cuff Electrodes
March-April, 2019 | Brain Stimulation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Strategy to Augment Auditory Rehabilitation
March-April, 2019 | Brain Stimulation
Vagus Nerve Stimulation as a Strategy to Augment Stroke Rehabilitation
More Publications
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