Could a tiny ear device ease arthritis pain in kids?
NCT ID NCT05710640
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a small device that sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve (through the ear) can reduce pain and inflammation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The trial planned to enroll children ages 5 to 18, but was terminated early after only 18 participants. The goal was to see if the active device worked better than a sham device at improving arthritis symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tcVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease pain and inflammation for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 18 participants, so results are very limited. The device may not work better than a sham (fake) treatment.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Primary Children's Hospital
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84132, United States
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Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Cohen Children's Medical Center: Pediatric Rheumatology
Lake Success, New York, 11040, United States
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Indiana University Medical Center: Riley Hospital for Children Department of Pediatric Rheumatology
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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Nemours Children's Health: Department of Pediatric Rheumatology
Orlando, Florida, 32827, United States
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Seattle Children's Hospital: Rheumatology Clinic
Seattle, Washington, 98105, United States
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Stephen D. Hassenfield Children's Center at NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, 10016, United States
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University of California San Francisco School of Medicine: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Rheumatology
San Francisco, California, 94158, United States