Effects of auricular vagus nerve stimulation on increased pain sensitivity

Randomized crossover study of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation compared with sham stimulation on high-frequency stimulation–induced secondary mechanical hypersensitivity in healthy women

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN14751087

Enrollment

Registered

2026-03-05

Start date

2022-07-07

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2026-03-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Experimental secondary mechanical hypersensitivity induced by high-frequency stimulation in healthy women. Signs and Symptoms

Interventions

The study uses a randomized within-subject crossover laboratory design with two conditions: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and sham stimulation. Participants attend two labo

2.5 mA) is then applied to one forearm to induce secondary mechanical hypersensitivity. Affective state ratings are collected again following HFS. Electrical stimulation of the left ear is delivered u

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

Female

Age

18 Years to 35 Years

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: 1. Healthy women aged 18–35 years 2. Able to understand spoken and written English 3. Able and willing to comply with study procedures and provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: 1. Bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, or any cardiac disease 2. History of or current neurological disorder 3. Current psychiatric disorder 4. Other serious medical condition 5. Use of chronic and ongoing medication (women using contraceptive pills are allowed) 6. Pregnancy 7. Use of recreational drugs within the past week 8. Recovery from serious trauma or an operation 9. Previous participation in studies using the same stimulation device

Countries

Belgium

Contacts

Public ContactMikolaj Szulczewski

mszulczewski@psych.pan.pl+48 22 583 13 80

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Mar 20, 2026