Ear zap may calm lupus pain by taming inflammation

NCT ID NCT02822989

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Northwell Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 08, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a small device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can reduce muscle and joint pain in people with lupus. The idea is to activate the body's natural 'cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway' to lower inflammation. Participants use the device for 5 minutes daily over 4 days, and researchers measure pain changes and side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a drug-free way to ease lupus-related muscle and joint pain by tapping into the body's natural anti-inflammatory system.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early study with only 19 people, so results may not apply widely. The pain relief might be modest or no better than a sham device.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Inflammation Musculoskeletal Pain systemic lupus erythematosus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, SYSTEMIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Feinstein Institute

Manhasset, New York, 11030, United States

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