Ear-based vagus nerve stimulation for post-herpetic neuralgia
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
This will try adding gentle ear-based vagus nerve stimulation to usual care to see if it reduces pain and improves quality of life for adults 35–65 with post-herpetic neuralgia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cairo University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo, Giza Governorate) |
| Trial ID | NCT07123987 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Post-herpetic neuralgia causes persistent neuropathic pain after shingles and is often only partially controlled by medications. This randomized controlled trial will assign 34 adults (ages 35–65) with PHN 1:1 to receive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) using the EV-906 device plus conventional pharmacological treatment or conventional pharmacological treatment alone. The study will measure changes in pain intensity and health-related quality of life over the treatment period. The protocol follows device safety standards and excludes participants with implants, seizure risk, major cardiac or neurological disorders, or other contraindications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 35–65 with a diagnosis of PHN and persistent pain for at least three months who can attend visits at the trial site and give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with active implants (e.g., pacemakers), a history of seizures or certain neurological/psychiatric conditions, other chronic pain disorders, pregnancy, or those outside the 35–65 age range are unlikely to benefit or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, taVNS could provide additional pain relief and improve quality of life for PHN patients while reducing reliance on medications and their side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation has shown promising analgesic signals in small studies of various chronic pain conditions, but high-quality evidence specific to PHN remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 35-65 years diagnosed with PHN. Persistent pain for at least 3 months after herpes zoster infection. Only patients who sign the informed consent form will be included. Exclusion Criteria: Contraindications to taVNS such as: 1. pregnancy; 2. active implants (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants) or brain shunts; 3. previous neurological or psychiatric diagnoses; 4. history of addiction or substance abuse; 5. history of trauma and/or brain surgery; 6. cardiac disease; 7. acute or chronic use of medications and/or illicit drugs; 8. susceptibility to headaches and seizures. Severe cognitive impairment. Other chronic pain conditions.
Where this trial is running
Cairo, Giza Governorate
- Faculty of Physical Therapy - Cairo University — Cairo, Giza Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mohamed Hosny Ismail Easa, MSc, PT
- Email: drhosnypt99@gmail.com
- Phone: +201144736266
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.