Ear zap for IBD? tiny study tests nerve stimulation for gut relief

NCT ID NCT07636304

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Gdansk Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether daily, at-home stimulation of a nerve in the ear can change brain activity in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are in remission. Fifteen adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis will use a small device for 28 days and undergo brain scans before and after. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and whether it affects brain networks linked to stress and emotion.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device (Nurosym)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a drug-free way to manage IBD by calming the brain-gut connection.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 15 people. It is designed to test feasibility, not effectiveness, so results may not lead to a treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Crohn disease inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CROHN'S DISEASE (CD) IN ADULTS INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (CROHN'S DISEASE; ULCERATIVE COLITIS) INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES (IBD) REMISSION OF IBD ULCERATIVE COLITIS (UC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Gastroenterology Department / Independent Public Healthcare Centre of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Gdansk

Gdansk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, 80-104, Poland

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