Ear zaps for tummy troubles? new study tests nerve stimulation for stomach pain
NCT ID NCT03603730
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a mild electrical pulse to the ear (taVNS) can change how the brain and stomach interact in people with chronic indigestion or gastroparesis. Researchers will use brain scans and stomach electrical readings to see if the stimulation helps. The goal is to find a new, drug-free way to ease stomach discomfort.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, ear-stimulation treatment for chronic stomach discomfort and bloating.
What could go wrong
This is an early exploratory study with only 65 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The stimulation may not produce meaningful symptom relief.
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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact