Could a tiny ear zap ease Long-Term lyme symptoms?

NCT ID NCT05776251

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Columbia University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests a small, non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear (taVNS) to see if it is safe and tolerable for people with persistent symptoms after Lyme disease treatment. The trial will enroll 24 adults who still have symptoms like fatigue or pain months after antibiotics. The main goal is to check if people will use the device and if it causes any side effects, not yet to prove it works.

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 this approach is safe and tolerable, it could point toward a non-drug way to reduce lingering symptoms after Lyme disease treatment.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 24 participants. It is not designed to prove effectiveness, and the device may not provide meaningful symptom relief.

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.

Fatigue Lyme disease Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

POST-TREATMENT LYME DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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