Ear-Zap study sees if nerve stimulation is safe for kids

NCT ID NCT06168071

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear is safe and tolerable for healthy children. Ten children will receive a single 30-minute session while their heart rate, oxygen levels, and brain waves are monitored. The goal is to learn how the stimulation affects the brain, not to treat any condition.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transauricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help researchers understand how taVNS affects the brain in children, potentially guiding future therapies for brain injury.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study in healthy children, not designed to test any treatment. It only measures safety and brain activity, so it may not lead to any direct medical 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.

brain hypoxia - ischemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HYPOXIA-ISCHEMIA, BRAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University in St. Louis

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.