Plain-English translation of NCT05517304 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing a treatment called transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tcVNS)—a small handheld device that gently stimulates a nerve in your neck—to help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans. Researchers will use brain imaging and blood tests to see how the device affects your brain's response to stress and your body's inflammation markers. Half of participants will use the real device and half will use a sham device that looks and feels the same but doesn't deliver active stimulation.
Many veterans struggle with PTSD and current treatments don't work well for everyone. This medication offers a new, non-drug approach that may help calm the brain's stress response and reduce the body's inflammatory reactions to trauma.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You would start with a visit where researchers take brain imaging scans while you listen to recordings about traumatic events—some sessions paired with the real device and some with a sham device. After this initial assessment, you would take the device home and use it twice daily for three months, with follow-up visits to check your progress and repeat some of the initial tests to see if the treatment is helping.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 20, 2026 · Not medical advice
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