A pooled analysis of the side effects of non-invasive Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS).

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a promising technique for modulating vagal afferent fibers non-invasively and has shown therapeutic potential in neurological, cognitive, and affective disorders. While previous research highlights its efficacy, the safety profile of taVNS has been less extensively examined.

Methods

This study therefore aimed to systematically investigate side effects of taVNS in a large pooled dataset consisting of n = 488 participants, utilizing a standardized questionnaire to assess ten reported side effects. Analyses included effects of stimulation type (interval vs. continuous), stimulation duration, stimulation intensity and participant characteristics (age and gender) as potential modulators.

Results

SUBMITTER: Giraudier M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11841445 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature