Ear nerve zaps may aid stroke recovery in kids — a tiny trial puts it to the test
NCT ID NCT07735234
First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear is tolerable for children who have had a stroke. One child will receive ear stimulation paired with occupational therapy sessions over four weeks. The goal is to see if the child can complete all sessions without significant side effects, and to measure any changes in arm function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation, taVNS)
- What this could lead to
- If well tolerated, this approach could pave the way for larger studies testing whether ear nerve stimulation helps children regain arm function after a stroke.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, single-participant feasibility trial, so results may not apply to others. The device may cause discomfort or side effects like skin irritation or dizziness.
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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
Locations
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The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Spinal zaps could reboot breathing after brain injury
- Can brain scans reveal hidden language struggles after stroke?
- Can lifestyle choices after a stroke extend life and prevent a second one?
- A tablet test aims to catch hidden attention and memory problems after stroke
- Can a gentle ear zap supercharge stroke rehab at home?
- Can exercise boost reading recovery in stroke survivors?