Zapping a nerve in the ear might ease lingering lyme disease symptoms
NCT ID NCT04938687
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a device called RAVANS that delivers mild electrical pulses to a nerve in the ear, aiming to reduce symptoms of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). Fifteen adults with PTLDS received either real or sham stimulation. The main goal was to see if the treatment could lower symptom scores on a detailed questionnaire. Because this is a very small early study, the results are preliminary and need confirmation in larger trials.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to manage lingering Lyme symptoms like fatigue and pain.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 15 people, so results may not apply widely. The device is experimental and may not provide meaningful relief.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.