Ear zap device shows promise for teen nausea

NCT ID NCT03675321

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a non-invasive nerve stimulator placed on the outer ear to see if it could reduce nausea in 109 teenagers with functional gastrointestinal disorders. Half received the active device, half a sham (inactive) version, for four weeks. The goal was to measure changes in nausea severity and related distress.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

auricular neurostimulation device (Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Field Stimulator)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce nausea in teenagers with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with no phase designation. The sham group may also show improvement, and results may not apply to all nausea types.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

digestive system disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States