Ear Nerve Stimulation Shows No Overall Blood Pressure Benefit in Small Trial

The SCRATCH-HTN trial, published in Hypertension, tested transcutaneous autonomic neuromodulation in 63 people whose hypertension remained uncontrolled despite taking at least one blood pressure-lowering medication. Participants were randomly assigned to active stimulation or a sham device. They used the device for 30 minutes daily for two weeks, then once weekly for 10 weeks. The handheld device delivers mild electrical pulses through clips placed on the tragus and is intended for home use.

The treatment was reported to be safe, generally comfortable and feasible for participants to use. However, blood pressure changes did not differ significantly between the active-treatment and sham groups across the full study population. A prespecified subgroup analysis found greater blood pressure reduction with active stimulation among participants who began the trial with more severe hypertension.

The subgroup finding may help guide further research, but it does not establish efficacy for this group. The trial was small, and the researchers said larger studies are needed to confirm the result and identify any patients who may benefit. The findings do not support replacing or changing established hypertension treatment.