Could a neck device shield lungs after brain trauma?
NCT ID NCT04935697
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve (nVNS) in patients hospitalized with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain injury. The goal was to see if adding nVNS to standard care could prevent severe lung inflammation and the need for a breathing machine. Only 3 people took part, so the results are very preliminary.
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 vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) device (gammaCore Sapphire S)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to prevent serious lung complications after a traumatic brain injury.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot study with only 3 participants, so results are not reliable. Larger trials are needed to know if it really helps.
Disclaimer
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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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Locations
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AHN Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212, United States