Could a tiny ear device tame IBS?

NCT ID NCT02420158

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

irritable bowel syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Clinique Universitaire d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie - CHU de Grenoble

Grenoble, 38043, France
Service d'Exploration Fonctionnelle Digestive - Hôpital Edouard Herriot - Hospices Civils de Lyon

Lyon, 69437, France

More trials for these conditions

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