Ear device could ease gut woes in kids with bendy joint disorder

NCT ID NCT05212129

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

Summary

This study is testing whether a small, battery-powered device worn on the ear can reduce gastrointestinal symptoms in children aged 10-18 with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and related autonomic nervous system problems. The device, called IB-Stim, delivers gentle electrical pulses to a nerve in the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve. Researchers will measure changes in stomach symptoms, gastric function, and body awareness over six weeks. The goal is to find a non-drug treatment for the common gut issues that accompany hEDS.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

percutaneous vagal nerve stimulation device (IB-Stim)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to reduce stomach and bowel symptoms in children with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage, open-label trial with no placebo group, so results may be influenced by expectation. The device is already FDA-approved for other uses, but its benefit for this specific condition is unproven.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

autonomic nervous system disorder digestive system disorder Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility type postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Medical College of Wisconsin

    RECRUITING

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact