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Ear stimulation may rewire fear responses in PTSD

NCT ID NCT06953388

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Wayne State University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear can help people with PTSD learn to dampen fear responses. Participants will receive either active or sham stimulation while their body reactions (heart rate, sweat, startle) are measured during fear-learning tasks. The goal is to see if this approach reduces anxious arousal and helps the brain unlearn fear associations.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to help people with PTSD process trauma and reduce fear responses.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small study (60 people) testing a short-term effect in a lab setting. It may not translate to real-world symptom relief or long-term benefit.

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.

combat disorder post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PTSD - POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Tolan Park Research Clinic, Wayne State University

    Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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