Could a zap to the ear tame POTS?
NCT ID NCT02281097
First seen Mar 31, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 10 times
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical current applied to the skin of the ear can calm the nerve that controls heart rate in people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). POTS causes a racing heart and dizziness when standing. The trial involves 18 participants and compares real stimulation to a sham (fake) version to see if it improves heart rate and symptoms like fatigue and light-headedness.
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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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232-2195, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve through the ear
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a simple, non-drug way to manage POTS symptoms like light-headedness and fatigue.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early study with only 18 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is temporary and may not work better than a placebo.
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.