Could zapping the ear unlock Gut-Brain secrets in Parkinson's?

NCT ID NCT07673146

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study investigates how stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear affects stomach function and brain activity in people with Parkinson's disease. Participants receive non-invasive electrical stimulation via a device placed on the ear, and researchers measure stomach responses with MRI and brain activity with fMRI. The goal is to better understand gut-brain communication in Parkinson's, which may lead to new insights into the disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: UROstim (non-invasive ear stimulation device)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could reveal how gut-brain signals influence Parkinson's symptoms, potentially pointing toward new non-drug therapies.
What could go wrong: This is an early exploratory study with only 45 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The stimulation is temporary and not intended as a treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON DISEASE (PD)

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.