Could a tiny ear device tame IBS?
NCT ID NCT02420158
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested a device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve through the skin in women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Over six months, researchers measured changes in digestion, inflammation, symptoms, and quality of life. The goal was to see if this non-invasive approach is safe and can help ease IBS 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 vagal nerve electrical stimulation device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to ease IBS symptoms and improve quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 10 women, so results may not apply to everyone. The device may cause side effects or fail to improve symptoms.
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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Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie - CHU de Grenoble
Grenoble, 38043, France
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Service d'Exploration Fonctionnelle Digestive - Hôpital Edouard Herriot - Hospices Civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69437, France