About the sub-study

We are conducting a mechanistic sub-study that explores whether TVNS alongside rehabilitation therapy produces changes in the brain. We will measure this using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). 

The changes being investigated are:

• brain plasticity

• brain blood flow 

• energy use

A comparison will be made between participants using the TVNS device and participants using the sham TVNS device. We will look at whether changes in brain activity are linked to improvements in arm weakness in people who have had a stroke. 

The sub-study involves having two MRI scans. You will have an MRI scan at baseline and a follow-up scan about 3 months later, once you have finished your TVNS and therapy treatment. 

Some participants may be asked if they would be happy to have a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan at the same time - this is called a PET-MRI scan. If you are invited to have a PET scan you can choose to have both the MRI and PET scan or just the MRI scan. If you had a PET scan at your first appointment, you will also have one at your follow-up appointment.

MRI and PET-MRI scans will last approximately 1 hour.