Scientists probe the vagus nerve: what happens when It's stimulated?

NCT ID NCT06143293

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Minnesota Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study looks at how vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) affects the nervous system, heart, immune system, and metabolism in people who already have a VNS device for epilepsy or depression. Researchers will measure things like nerve activity, blood pressure, and heart rate during different stimulation settings. The goal is to learn more about how VNS works, not to test a new treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Vagus nerve stimulation device
What this could lead to: If successful, this study could help doctors better understand how vagus nerve stimulation works, potentially leading to improved stimulation settings for treating epilepsy and depression.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It does not test a new therapy, so there is no direct benefit for participants. The results may not lead to immediate changes in clinical practice.

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.

depressive disorder epilepsy major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEPRESSIVE DISORDER EPILEPSY

Contacts and locations

Locations

99 Commercial Road

Prahan, Victoria, 3182, Australia
Alfred Health

Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
Alivation Research, LLC

Lincoln, Nebraska, 68526, United States
Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
Stanford University

Stanford, California, 54304, United States
University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55414, United States
Washington University in St. Louis

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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