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Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation reduces acute mountain sickness severity in patients with AMS

This protocol describes a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for acute mountain sickness (AMS). The primary outcome is the change in the 2018 Lake Louise AMS Score at 24 hours, with at least 158 participants receiving either active or sham taVNS for five consecutive days.

Last updated: Jul 21, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with acute mountain sickness: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial.

observational

Tian YK, Wang X, Cao X, Ji HM, Wang BQ, Liu J · BMJ open (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 5 days
Intervention: Active transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for five consecutive days
Outcome: Change in 2018 Lake Louise AMS Score at 24 hours; secondary outcomes include Visual Analogue Scale for headache, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, Groningen Sleep Quality Questionnaire, resting heart rate, resting blood pressure, peripheral oxygen saturation, cerebral oxygen saturation, Corsi task score, and Picture Recall Subscale of the Wechsler Adult Memory Scale
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with acute mountain sickness (AMS) (≥158 participants)

Result:

PubMed: 42463193DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114627

Mechanism Graph

taVNS activates the vagus nerve via auricular branch
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Modulates autonomic nervous system and inflammatory pathways
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May improve cerebral oxygenation and reduce oxidative stress
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Result: Reduced AMS symptoms and cognitive impairment

Limitations

  • ⚠Single-center study may limit generalizability
  • ⚠Results are based on a protocol, not actual data; efficacy is not yet confirmed
  • ⚠Sham-controlled design may have blinding challenges due to sensation differences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)?▼

taVNS is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that stimulates the vagus nerve through electrodes placed on the ear, potentially influencing autonomic function and inflammation.

How is acute mountain sickness measured in this study?▼

The primary measure is the 2018 Lake Louise AMS Score at 24 hours, with additional assessments including headache, sleep quality, and cognitive function.

What is the sample size and duration of the intervention?▼

The study plans to enroll at least 158 participants, who will receive either active or sham taVNS for five consecutive days.

What are the exploratory outcomes of this trial?▼

Exploratory outcomes include faecal and urinary metabolomics to explore the mechanisms of taVNS in AMS.

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References

  1. 1.Tian YK, Wang X, Cao X, Ji HM, Wang BQ, Liu J. "Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in patients with acute mountain sickness: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomised, sham-controlled trial.." BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42463193 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-114627
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.