Receive a handheld neck stimulation device to help reduce PTSD symptoms

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This study is testing a handheld medical device called gammaCore that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve—a major nerve in your neck that helps regulate stress and emotional responses. Researchers want to see if using this device at home can safely reduce PTSD symptoms over time. The device has already been approved by the FDA for treating migraines, but this study will be the first to examine whether it works for PTSD.

Current PTSD treatments help some people, but many patients continue to struggle with symptoms. This trial exists to explore a new option that might help reduce PTSD symptoms by calming the nervous system through stimulation of the vagus nerve.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been formally diagnosed with PTSD
you are between 18 and 70 years old
you either are not taking PTSD medications or have been stable on the same medication for at least 3 months
you are willing to use the device as instructed and attend study visits
you have a primary mental health clinician (such as a psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist) who can oversee your care during the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have significant suicidal or homicidal thoughts or behaviors
you have serious medical conditions (heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, or neurological illness) that could interfere with the study
you have had surgery on your vagus nerve or have an abnormality at the treatment site on your neck
you currently have an implanted electrical device such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or deep brain stimulator
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or unwilling to use birth control during the study

What participation looks like

You will start with a 4-week observation period where researchers track your baseline PTSD symptoms. Then you'll enter the 12-week treatment phase, during which you'll use the gammaCore device on the side of your neck twice daily for about 2 minutes each time, at home. You'll attend six study visits (some remote, some in person) for training, check-ins, and symptom assessments. Throughout the study, you'll complete questionnaires to help researchers measure any changes in your symptoms and monitor your safety.

Neck Stimulation Device to Reduce PTSD Symptoms

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)