Ear nerve zap may boost spine surgery recovery
NCT ID NCT07660250
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a mild electrical clip on the ear (called vagus nerve stimulation) can help people recover better after spine surgery for a condition called cervical myelopathy. The trial will include 36 adults with moderate to severe myelopathy who are scheduled for decompression surgery. Half will get real stimulation, half a sham clip, to see if the real device improves nerve function and reduces neck disability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Vagus nerve stimulation device (clip attached to ear)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug way to improve recovery after spine surgery for cervical myelopathy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 36 people. The sham group may show similar results, and the effect may not be large enough to matter in daily life.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Washington University
RECRUITINGSt Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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