Could a simple nerve zap help veterans heal from brain injury and PTSD?
NCT ID NCT04437498
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (a key nerve in the body) to see if it can improve memory and reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury. One hundred veterans will receive either active stimulation or a sham (fake) treatment twice daily. Researchers will measure changes in PTSD symptoms, memory, brain blood flow, and stress-related inflammation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation (nVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new, drug-free way to ease memory problems and PTSD symptoms in veterans with mild traumatic brain injury.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is compared to a sham device, and it's unclear if benefits will last long-term.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Atlanta VA Medical and Rehab Center, Decatur, GA
RECRUITINGDecatur, Georgia, 30033-4004, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact