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

NCT ID NCT06143293

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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

depressive disorder epilepsy major depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

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