Could a pacemaker for the vagus nerve ease PTSD?

NCT ID NCT06266364

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Texas at Dallas Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early study tests whether a surgically implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve can boost the effects of talk therapy for people with chronic PTSD. Twenty adults who have not gotten better with standard treatments will receive either active or sham stimulation alongside prolonged exposure therapy. The main goal is to check safety, but researchers will also measure changes in PTSD symptoms.

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 (VNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more effective treatment for PTSD by combining nerve stimulation with talk therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early safety trial with only 20 people. It may not show clear benefit, and the device requires surgical implantation, which carries risks.

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.

acute stress disorder combat disorder post-traumatic stress disorder psychiatric disorder Stress Disorders, Traumatic

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

Locations

Baylor University Medical Center
RECRUITING

Dallas, Texas, 75246, United States
Texas Biomedical Device Center
RECRUITING

Richardson, Texas, 75080, United States
The University of Texas Health Austin Ambulatory Surgery Center
RECRUITING

Austin, Texas, 78712, United States

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