Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Rosacea
Recruiting
Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Rosacea: A Pilot Trial
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
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.
About the study
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. The particicpants will be followed for an additional 4-weeks following the intervention period to evaluate the durability of the results
What is being tested
- Transaricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) (device)
Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital · Participants: 10 · Started: May 23, 2026
Contact the study team
- Liset Chacin · Phone: 617-264-5926
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07600424
Locations in the U.S.
| Massachusetts | Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 2, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.