Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
Official title: Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11644348 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002331-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11644348 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are veterans diagnosed with PTSD who can safely use a non-invasive VNS device and tolerate regular outpatient sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without PTSD, with contraindications to electrical stimulation, or who do not respond to neuromodulation approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-surgical, wearable approach (transcutaneous cervical VNS) to help veterans with PTSD feel more in control of their symptoms. It builds on earlier findings that electrical brain modulation can alter stress responses and may improve mood and anxiety after traumatic events. The study emphasizes a practical, outpatient option that could be easier to access compared with traditional therapies. If successful, this approach could complement existing treatments and offer a safer, cost-effective alternative for long-term symptom management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, veterans with PTSD may experience reduced symptoms and improved daily functioning with a non-invasive, tolerable treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests neuromodulation can influence brain networks involved in PTSD, with promising but early results for tcVNS.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bremner, James Douglas — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Bremner, James Douglas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Computationally mapping PTSD to better diagnosis and personalized care
A research project uses computer tools to find brain-based patterns that could help diagnose PTSD more clearly and tailor treatments for Veterans and others with PTSD.
-
PTSD, Faster Aging, and Veteran Health
A study to see whether PTSD makes aging happen faster in veterans and how this could affect their health and care.
-
Understanding how sensing sounds and sights affect PTSD
A study by the University of Texas Health Houston explores how abnormal brain sensing and fear networks contribute to PTSD and how these insights could guide future treatments.
-
Inflammation and fear learning in PTSD
This study looks at how a temporary inflammatory challenge affects fear extinction in people with and without PTSD to better understand how PTSD could be treated.
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Mobile health support for people with opioid use disorder and PTSD after residential treatment
A mobile health tool will help adults with opioid use disorder and PTSD stay connected to support after they leave residential treatment.
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Mobile health tool to help Veterans with PTSD and depression improve daily functioning
A self-guided mobile app built on STAIR therapy is being adapted to help Veterans manage PTSD and depression in everyday life, with real-time checks on functioning and symptoms.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.