Ameliorating Effects and Autonomic Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Abdominal Pain in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Neurogastroenterol MotilSep 1, 2026
Xiaomeng Sun, Qi Lin, Yuemei Xu et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on abdominal pain and quality of life in 64 patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The study found that taVNS significantly reduced abdominal pain scores (p < 0.001) and improved quality of life, anxiety, and depression in both patient groups.
Key findings
- taVNS reduced abdominal pain scores significantly (p < 0.001) in both FD and IBS patients.
- Quality of life improved significantly after taVNS treatment compared to baseline.
- taVNS decreased anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.001 for both).
- Vagal activity increased post-taVNS and was negatively correlated with pain scores (r = -0.491, p = 0.004).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that taVNS may offer a non-invasive treatment option for managing abdominal pain and improving quality of life in patients with FD and IBS, addressing a significant clinical need.