Using non-invasive nerve stimulation to help veterans with PTSD
Official title: Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation in Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10975951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a gentle device that stimulates a nerve in the neck to see if it can help veterans with PTSD feel better, especially if other treatments haven’t worked for them.
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 | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002331-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10975951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a diagnosis of PTSD or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS) as a treatment for veterans suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The approach involves a non-invasive device placed on the neck that stimulates the vagus nerve, which may help alleviate PTSD symptoms without the side effects associated with traditional medications. By enhancing brain responses related to emotional regulation, this method aims to provide a new therapeutic option for those who have not found relief through existing treatments. The study will assess the effectiveness of this technique in improving mental health outcomes for veterans.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a new, effective treatment option for veterans with PTSD, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using electrical stimulation techniques for psychiatric disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
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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Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
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Understanding how sensing sounds and sights affect PTSD
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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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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.