Study of Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Treat Chronic and Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation aTVNS as a treatment for chronic dizziness, including Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness PPPD. The study aims to measure changes in dizziness using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory DHI score after a 4-week treatment period. This is a randomized, double-blind trial sponsored by Mayo Clinic that compares active aTVNS with a sham control device. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The active treatment group will perform two daily sessions of aTVNS, each about 30 minutes, totaling 1 hour per day for 8 weeks. The sham control group will perform two daily sessions using a device that mimics stimulation without electrical current for 4 weeks, then switch to the active treatment for the remaining 4 weeks. The aTVNS device delivers mild electrical pulses to the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve. During the study, participants will complete assessments at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Researchers will measure dizziness changes using the DHI score, anxiety levels, postural sway, and frequency of dizzy days. The study includes monitoring of symptoms and safety throughout the approximately 8-week period. The goal is to understand the effects of aTVNS on dizziness and related symptoms in adults with PPPD.

A Study Of Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation In Chronic Dizziness