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.
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
-
AHN Allegheny General Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15212, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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