NCT07600424 · Brigham and Women's Hospital
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Rosacea
What this study is about
A single treatment group$1, pilot study among individuals with rosacea and at least moderate flushing or rednesss will be enrolled in a 4-week trial of taVNS.
View original scientific description
A single arm, pilot study among individuals with rosacea and at least moderate flushing or rednesss will be enrolled in a 4-week trial of taVNS.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transaricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)
This project consists of a 4-week trial of transaricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for rosacea. Participation is expected to last for a total duration of 8 weeks (4 week active intervention period)
Primary outcome measures
Change from baseline to week 4 of Clinician's Erythema Assessment (CEA)
Time frame: Week 4
The CEA is a static 5-point grading scale of facial erythema severity. The scale is 0 to 4. A positive result, means that the erythema, redness was reduced. A negative result indicates that the erythema increased.
Change from baseline to week 4 in the Dermatology Quality Life Index (DLQI)
Time frame: Week 4
The DLQI is a dermatology-specific quality of life instrument to measure the impact of skin disease on different aspects of health-related quality of life. The questionnaire contains 10 questions, each scored on a 4-point Likert scale. The DLQI is calculated by adding the score of each question, resulting in a maximum of 30 and a minimum of 0. The higher the score, the more quality of life is impaired. A score higher than 10 indicates that the patient's life is being severely affected by their skin disease.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18 years of age and older
- Dermatologist confirmed diagnosis of rosacea
- Clinician's Erythema Assessment of at least 3 (moderate to severe disease)
- Willingness to adhere to current rosacea regimen without additions or laser treatments (e.g. PDL) during the study period.
Exclusion criteria
- Changes to rosacea regimen (prescription topical or oral medications) within 4 weeks of randomization.
- Facial hair, tattoos, or other characteristics that would interfere with erythema assessments
- History of symptomatic cardiac arrythmias (e.g. heart block, sick sinus syndrome, bradyarrhythmia)
- Presence of a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or neurostimulator
- Seizure disorder or epilepsy
- Trigeminal Neuralgia within the past year
- Severe coronary disease or recent myocardial infarction within the past 5 years
- Severe autonomic dysfunction (e.g., frequent syncope, hospitalization)
- History of recurrent syncope or unexplained fainting
- Use of brimonidine or oxymetazoline within the past 4 weeks
- Use of beta-blockers, anticholinergics, or vagal-modulating drugs within the past 4 weeks
- Severe phymatous rosacea
- Ear deformity, piercings, or other condition that prevents the use of the taVNS device
- Known hypersensitivity to electrode materials
- Patients who are pregnant.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations