Evaluating Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation taVNS for Treating Post-Herpetic Neuralgia in Adults Aged 35 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Post-herpetic neuralgia PHN is a long-lasting nerve pain that occurs after shingles herpes zoster infection. This study investigates whether adding transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation taVNS, a non-invasive nerve stimulation technique, to standard treatment can reduce pain and improve quality of life for people aged 35 to 65 with PHN. The trial includes both men and women and compares the effects of taVNS plus usual care to usual care alone. Participants are divided into two groups one receives taVNS using the EV-906 device with TENS ear clips alongside their regular medical treatment, and the other receives only the regular medical treatment. The stimulation is applied according to safety standards and study protocols. The study runs for four weeks with assessments at the start, after two weeks, and after four weeks to measure changes in pain intensity and how pain affects daily activities. During the study, participants will undergo interviews using the Brief Pain Inventory short form and the Short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 to evaluate pain severity and interference. Researchers will monitor pain levels and quality of life throughout the trial. The goal is to see if taVNS can be a safe, non-invasive addition to current therapies for managing PHN. The study lasts about one month for each participant, with close attention to safety and treatment effects.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Post-Herpetic Neuralgia