Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Diabetic Nerve Pain Relief

Plain-English translation of NCT07405021 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS)—a gentle, non-invasive treatment that stimulates a major nerve in your neck through your ear—as a way to reduce pain from diabetic nerve damage. You would receive this treatment along with traditional physical therapy, five times per week for six weeks. The study aims to see if this treatment can reduce pain intensity, improve nerve function, and help you move and function better in daily life.

Diabetic nerve damage causes persistent pain, numbness, and weakness that seriously affects quality of life, and current pain medications often come with troubling side effects. This trial exists to find a non-drug treatment option that could help people manage this pain and improve their ability to do everyday activities without relying on medications that may cause other problems.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with diabetic nerve damage affecting both feet
you are between 45 and 60 years old
you experience numbness and/or pain in your feet that feels like stabbing, electric shocks, or burning
you have had diabetes for more than 5 years and your blood sugar control is stable (Hemoglobin A1c between 6.5% and 7%)
you can walk independently without help from another person or assistive device

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a cardiac pacemaker or other implanted electrical devices
you have a heart rhythm problem such as sinus bradycardia or sick sinus syndrome
you have nerve or spinal pain from compressed nerves in your lower back (lumbar radiculopathy)
you have a history of seizures, psychiatric disorders, or mental health conditions
you have active foot ulcers or foot deformities, or have had surgery on your lower limbs

What participation looks like

You would attend sessions five days per week for six weeks. In each session, you would receive 30 minutes of traditional physical therapy plus 30 minutes of vagus nerve stimulation (or placebo stimulation if you're in the comparison group). The nerve stimulation is applied through a small device placed on your ear and is non-invasive and painless. During the six-week study period, your pain levels, nerve function, and ability to walk and perform daily activities would be measured and compared.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Egypt

outpatient clinic, faculty of physical therapy, Horus university, Damietta