Using a device at home to stimulate a nerve in the ear to help manage pain in young adults with IBS
Home-Based Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) for Pain and Symptom Management among Young Adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This study is looking at whether a gentle ear stimulation technique done at home can help young adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) feel better by easing their pain and symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11122461 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of home-based transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) as a non-invasive method to help manage pain and symptoms in young adults suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The approach focuses on stimulating a specific nerve in the ear to potentially improve the brain-gut interaction and alleviate distressing symptoms associated with IBS. Participants will be involved in a randomized trial comparing the effects of active taVNS versus a sham treatment, assessing factors such as feasibility, safety, and adherence to the intervention. This study aims to explore a practical and accessible pain management strategy for young adults aged 18-29 with IBS.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18-29 who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-29 or those not diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective, and non-pharmacological treatment option for managing IBS-related pain and symptoms in young adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise for non-pharmacological interventions like taVNS in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in young adults with IBS.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cong, Xiaomei Sophia — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Cong, Xiaomei Sophia
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 below.