Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders
Canada40 participantsStarted 2026-01-21
Plain-language summary
Approximately 50% of people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) continue to report the presence of symptoms 12 months post-injury. These symptoms include high levels of pain and disability as well as psychological symptoms such as post-traumatic stress. The nervous system may also be affected, specifically the autonomic nervous system which is responsible for regulating heart rate and blood pressure.
An important part of the autonomic system is the vagus nerve, which helps regulate pain and stress responses. Treatment of this nerve via transauricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) has been shown to improve health outcomes in many pain conditions such as chronic low back pain and postural tachycardia syndrome. TaVNS works by sending mild electrical pulses through the ear.
This project aims to explore whether or not taVNS can help people with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) feel better. The first goal is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of taVNS. The investigators are interested in learning how many people with chronic WAD participate in the study and how many complete the full treatment, as well as ensuring that the treatment does not cause any serious side effects. An additional goal is to evaluate the effects of taVNS on neck pain intensity and associated disability, pain sensitivity, heart rate variability, blood pressure, quality of life, post-traumatic stress, stress, anxiety, and depression as measured by questionnaires and physical assessments, as compared to those assigned to the sham treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Symptom duration ≥3 months and \<10 years; and
. Classifiable as WAD grade I (neck pain without physical impairments) or II (neck pain \& impairment such as movement loss and/or tenderness) or III (neck pain \& neurological deficit evident on physical exam);
. Average pain intensity (over one week) ≥ 4/10;
. Neck Disability Index score \> 28% (14/50).
Exclusion criteria
. WAD IV injury (no neurological deficit, fracture, or dislocation);
. Concussion symptoms;
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events (AEs); recruitment rate; attendance rate; retention rate.
Timeframe: The study duration is 4 months, including 1 month of self-administered taVNS. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment (end of week 4) and during follow-ups at Week 8-10 and Week 16.
. Patients with a permanent implanted metallic or electronic device or jewellery at close proximity to the ear tragus;
. Patients with any active implanted device (including electronic and/or medical devices) e.g. cochlear implant, cerebral shunts, invasive vagus nerve stimulators, or non-active but potentially interacting with the nervous system (e.g., metal implants);
. Open wounds or rashes, swollen, red, infected, or inflamed areas or skin eruptions (e.g., phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins); or cancerous lesions in the area of stimulation
. Using medications associated with ANS function such as Beta Blockers;