Could ear nerve stimulation calm racing hearts in POTS?
NCT ID NCT03124355
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study investigates whether stimulating a nerve in the earlobe (vagal nerve stimulation), alone or combined with two medications (galantamine and pyridostigmine), can help control heart rate and reduce symptoms in women with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Participants undergo tilt-table tests while receiving different combinations of stimulation and drugs. The goal is to see if these approaches can improve how the autonomic nervous system manages heart rhythm during standing.
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 stimulation, galantamine, pyridostigmine
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could point toward a non-drug or drug-combination therapy to help manage POTS symptoms and improve quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-phase pilot study with only 11 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The interventions may not produce meaningful benefits or could cause side effects.
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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
-
Autonomic Dysfunction Center/ Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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