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Vagus Nerve Stimulator
Vagal Nerve Stimulation for Indigestion and Gastroparesis
Phase < 1
Recruiting
Led By Vitaly Napadow, PhD
Research Sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial Must have
For Functional Dyspeptic patients, diagnosis according to the Rome III criteria for both PDS and EPS subtypes.
an idiopathic etiology
Must not have
History of arrhythmias
History gastric/esophageal surgery
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 40 minutes
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group
Summary
This trial tests a treatment that sends mild electrical pulses to the outer ear to help people with stomach issues like functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis. The goal is to see if this can improve communication between the brain and stomach and reduce symptoms. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) has been proposed as an effective treatment option for patients with gastroparesis that does not respond to other treatments.
Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-65 with gastroparesis or functional dyspepsia, diagnosed by specific criteria and tests. Participants must have stable medical treatment for a month prior to and during the study, no history of gastric surgery, arrhythmias, seizures, drug abuse or BMI over 32. They can't be pregnant/nursing or planning pregnancy.
What is being tested?
The trial studies auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) on brain and stomach in patients with indigestion issues like gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia. It aims to understand how taVNS affects these conditions.
What are the potential side effects?
Potential side effects of taVNS may include discomfort at the stimulation site, headache, lightheadedness or fainting. Since it's non-invasive, serious side effects are less common but could involve changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria belowSelect...
I have been diagnosed with Functional Dyspepsia as per Rome III criteria.
Select...
My condition has no known cause.
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I have been diagnosed with Functional Dyspepsia as per Rome III criteria.
Exclusion Criteria
You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:Select...
I have a history of irregular heartbeats.
Select...
I have had surgery on my stomach or esophagus.
Select...
I have epilepsy or have had seizures before.
Select...
My BMI is over 32 or my weight is more than 235 lbs.
Select...
I cannot have an MRI due to metal in my body, recent surgery, or severe claustrophobia.
Timeline
Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~ 40 minutes
Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~40 minutes
Treatment Details
Study Objectives
Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.Primary study objectives
Neuroimaging
Secondary study objectives
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Electrogastrography (EGG)
Respiration
+1 moreOther study objectives
Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)
Liquid meal challenge
Short Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI)
+1 moreAwards & Highlights
No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.
Trial Design
1Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: taVNSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Active or inactive taVNS
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
taVNS
2011
Completed Phase 4
~330
Research Highlights
Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
Common treatments for gastroparesis include gastric electrical stimulation, pyloroplasty, and vagal nerve stimulation. Gastric electrical stimulation uses electrical pulses to enhance gastric motility and improve symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Pyloroplasty involves surgical modification of the pylorus to facilitate gastric emptying. Vagal nerve stimulation, including auricular transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS), targets the vagus nerve to improve gastrointestinal motility and brain-gut communication.
These treatments are crucial for gastroparesis patients as they address the underlying motility issues, thereby reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation influences gastric motility: A randomized, double-blind trial in healthy individuals.Non-invasive stimulation of vagal afferents reduces gastric frequency.
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation influences gastric motility: A randomized, double-blind trial in healthy individuals.Non-invasive stimulation of vagal afferents reduces gastric frequency.
Find a Location
Who is running the clinical trial?
Massachusetts General HospitalLead Sponsor
3,026 Previous Clinical Trials
13,413,734 Total Patients Enrolled
Vitaly Napadow, PhDPrincipal Investigator - Massachusetts General Hospital
Massachusetts General Hospital
4 Previous Clinical Trials
188 Total Patients Enrolled
Roberta Sclocco, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorSpaulding Rehabilitation Hospital