Ear nerve stimulation trial shows mixed blood pressure results

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London conducted a clinical trial using a small device that delivers electrical pulses through the ear to treat stubborn hypertension, ScienceDaily reported. The trial tested transcutaneous nerve stimulation on 63 patients who were already taking medication for high blood pressure. [1]

ScienceDaily reported that the experimental treatment proved safe, easy to use at home, and well tolerated by the participants. Overall, the nerve stimulation device did not significantly outperform a placebo control group across the entire sample. [1]

The intervention showed potential benefits within a specific subset of participants, according to ScienceDaily. Patients presenting with more severe hypertension experienced promising reductions in blood pressure compared to those with milder conditions. [1]

Hypertension is a condition where the force of circulating blood against blood vessel walls remains consistently high. As FTMQ Science reported earlier, high blood pressure affects more than 1.4 billion people worldwide and is a primary cause of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. [2]