Ameliorating Effects and Autonomic Mechanisms of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Abdominal Pain in Patients With Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
In brief
Vagus nerve stimulation reduces abdominal pain and improves quality of life
In a randomized trial of 64 patients with functional dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome, two weeks of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation lowered pain scores, reduced pain frequency, and enhanced overall symptom burden compared with baseline, while also improving anxiety, depression, and quality-of-life measures. The benefit correlated with increased vagal activity, suggesting an autonomic mechanism, but larger studies are needed to confirm durability and optimal treatment protocols.
- Journal
- Neurogastroenterology and motility (Q1)
- Published
- 1 September 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Xiaomeng Sun, Qi Lin, Yuemei Xu, Pingping Hu, Peijing Rong, Jieyun Yin, et al.
- PMID
- 42682102
- DOI
- 10.1111/nmo.70224
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Rehabilitation (top studies of the week, 6 September 2026): taVNS reduces abdominal pain in functional GI disorders
- Picked for Gastroenterology (top studies of the week, 6 September 2026): RCT of taVNS improves abdominal pain in FD and IBS
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) often experience abdominal pain and reduced quality of life and need effective treatments. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could improve abdominal pain and quality of life in patients with FD and IBS, and whether the effects were mediated via the autonomic mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 64 patients with abdominal pain (43 FD and 21 IBS) with a pain score of 3 out of 10 or higher were randomized to receive 2 weeks of taVNS or sham-taVNS treatment. The primary outcome was numeric rating scale (NRS) for abdominal pain. The dyspeptic symptom scales (DSS), IBS symptom severity scale score (IBS-SSS), anxiety and depression scores, and the SF36 quality of life scale were assessed before and after the treatment. The electrocardiogram was also recorded for the assessment of autonomic function at baseline and after the treatment. KEY RESULTS: (1) taVNS reduced the abdominal pain score (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), the frequency of abdominal pain (p < 0.001 for both FD and IBS), and overall symptom scores in both FD patients and IBS patients (p < 0.001 for FD and IBS). There was no significant difference in the effect of taVNS on abdominal pain between FD and IBS patients. (2) taVNS improved quality of life compared with baseline in both FD and IBS patients. (3) taVNS decreased anxiety (p < 0.001) and depression (p < 0.001). (4) taVNS increased vagal activity. At the end of the taVNS treatment, the vagal activity was negatively correlated with the pain score (r = -0.491, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Non-invasive taVNS improves abdominal pain, quality of life, and anxiety and depression in patients with FD and patients with IBS, possibly attributed to the enhancement of vagal activity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400085697.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.