Could a simple ear device ease chronic pain in cerebral palsy?
NCT ID NCT07585292
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) can safely reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain in adults with cerebral palsy. Thirty-two participants will use either the active device or a sham (inactive) version at home for 30 days. Researchers will measure changes in pain, quality of life, and side effects.
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) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, non-drug way to reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life for adults with cerebral palsy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 32 participants. The sham control may also show effects, and results may not apply to everyone with cerebral palsy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 32 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
May 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cerebral palsy * Age ≥18 years * Chronic musculoskeletal pain present for ≥1 year * Moderate or greater pain severity (≥4/10 on Numeric Pain Rating Scale) * Stable pain and/or anti-inflammatory medication dosing for ≥6 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular disease * Pacemaker or implanted electrical device * Cerebral shunt * Pregnancy or intent to become pregnant * Current infection or open wounds at electrode sites
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Cerebral palsy (CP) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care London
London, Ontario, N6C 0A7, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Eye-Tracking glasses may reveal how children with cerebral palsy coordinate gaze and hands
- Peer support may ease chronic pain for women veterans
- Biofeedback may unlock stronger muscles in children with cerebral palsy
- Can targeted exercise programs improve balance in children with cerebral palsy?
- A phone call could ease chronic pain and depression in older veterans
- A virtual Egg-Carrying game may reveal how well children control their hands