A Study Of Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation In Chronic Dizziness
Efficacy Of Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation In Treating Chronic Dizziness
Mayo Clinic
60 participants
Mar 23, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to measure the change in dizziness, as measured by change in Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score, following a 4-week treatment period with auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (aTVNS).
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Age 18-75, Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) diagnosis per International Classification of Vestibular Disorders (ICVD).
- Persistent dizziness ≥3 months and at least 1 dizziness exacerbation/day during 2-week run-in.
- On stable medications/therapy for ≥4 weeks prior to baseline (if any).
Exclusion Criteria4
- Uncompensated peripheral/central vestibular deficit, sensory-afferent or cerebellar ataxia.
- Cardiac disease (coronary disease, unstable arrhythmia), recurrent syncope (>1 in past 12 months).
- Neck surgery, vagotomy, or any condition interfering with vagal stimulation.
- Pregnancy.
Interested in this trial?
Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.
Interventions
The sham control uses the same stimulation devices as the active group, but with modified electrodes that do not emit electrical current. Instead, they produce a mechanical vibration or clicking sensation that mimics the feeling of stimulation without delivering current to the skin.
The Parasym AVNT is a noninvasive, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator (tVNS) designed to deliver low-level electrical stimulation to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve through the skin of the outer ear. The stimulator produces mild, pulsed electrical currents typically ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 milliampere (mA) at frequencies between 20-30 Hz and pulse widths of approximately 200-300 μs. The stimulation intensity is adjusted individually to produce a light tingling sensation without discomfort or visible muscle contraction.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
For the most up-to-date information, visit the official listing.
NCT07420803