Can a zap to the ear tame sepsis?
NCT ID NCT03992378
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a mild electrical pulse to the ear (vagus nerve stimulation) can reduce inflammation and improve heart rate balance in people with septic shock. 34 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active stimulation or a sham (placebo) for 4 hours, alongside standard care. The goal is to see if this approach lowers inflammatory markers and improves a sepsis severity score.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Low-level transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (a device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the ear)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to calm inflammation and improve outcomes in sepsis.
What could go wrong
This is a very early, small pilot study with only 34 participants. It tests a short 4-hour stimulation, so any benefits may be temporary or not seen at all.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
RECRUITINGOklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••