Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
Laboratory Administration of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS): Technique, Targeting, and Considerations
Published on: January 7, 2019
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a complementary therapy for pediatric epilepsy: a pilot trial
Wei He1, Xianghong Jing, Xiaoyu Wang
1Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, China.
Objective:
We investigated the safety and efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) for the treatment of pediatric epilepsy.
Methods:
Fourteen pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy were treated by ta-VNS of the bilateral auricular concha using an ear vagus nerve stimulator. The baseline seizure frequency was compared with that after 8weeks, from week 9 to 16 and from week 17 to the end of week 24, according to the seizure diaries of the patients.
Results:
One patient dropped out after 8weeks of treatment due to lack of efficacy, while the remaining 13 patients completed the 24-week study without any change in medication regimen. The mean reduction in seizure frequency relative to baseline was 31.83% after week 8, 54.13% from week 9 to 16 and 54.21% from week 17 to the end of week 24. The responder rate was 28.57% after 8weeks, 53.85% from week 9 to 16 and 53.85% from week 17 to the end of week 24. No severe adverse events were reported during treatment.
Conclusion:
Transcutaneous auricular VNS may be a complementary treatment option for reducing seizure frequency in pediatric patients with intractable epilepsy and should be further studied.
