Electrical Vestibular Nerve Stimulation (VeNS) as a Treatment for Anxiety

A Randomized, Double Blind Sham Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate The Efficacy of Vestibular Nerve Stimulation (VeNS), Compared to a Sham Control For Treatment Of Anxiety.

Anxiety is known to be one of the most common health concerns in in the general population, and the most common mental health issue, and has been associated with several health consequences. Medications are known to be effective, and currently serve as the primary treatment for anxiety but comes with a risk of adverse effects. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-1) has also been shown to be effective and safer in the treatment of anxiety but presents its own limitations such as the time, cost, and training required. The relationship between vestibular stimulation and anxiety continues to be explored, however its usefulness in the treatment of anxiety is still unknown. Vestibular stimulation itself has been shown to be safe across multiple populations. If vestibular stimulation is shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety, it could serve as a safer alternative to medications. It could also require less cost, time, and training than CBT-1, providing a treatment option that is not only safe and effective, but broadly available to the general population. It also could present an alternative intervention for patients who are non-responsive or refuse medication. Consequently this trial seeks to evaluate the efficacy of non-invasive electrical vestibular nerve stimulation as a method of improving sleep quality and quantity, as compared to a sham control, in patients newly diagnosed with anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Signed informed consent
2. Male or female, age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 80 years at the time of signing informed consent.
3. Report clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, defined as a score of 10 or greater on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, 7th edition (GAD-7)
4. Ability and willingness to complete all study visits and procedures
5. Agreement to engage with using the device on a daily basis
6. Agreement to engage with trial mentors
7. Agreement not to use prescription, or over the counter, anxiety medications for the duration of the trial
8. Access to Wi-Fi
9. Access to Apple smart phone (If not an Apple iPod will be supplied)

Exclusion Criteria

1. History of skin breakdown, eczema or other dermatological condition (e.g. psoriasis) affecting the skin behind the ears.

2. Previous diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS (HIV is known to cause a vestibular neuropathy which would prevent VeNS from working)

3. Use of beta-blockers within 1 month of starting the study

4. Use of antidepressants or unstable dose within 3 months of starting study

5. Medication for anxiety (unless regime stable for last 3 months).

6. A history of stroke or severe head injury (as defined by a head injury that required a craniotomy or endotracheal intubation). (In case this damaged the neurological pathways involved in vestibular stimulation).

7. Presence of permanently implanted battery powered medical device or stimulator (e.g., pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, vagal nerve stimulator etc.).

8. Female who is pregnant, breast-feeding or intends to become pregnant or is of child-bearing potential and not using an adequate contraceptive method (adequate contraceptive measure as required by local regulation or practice)

9. History of epilepsy

10. History of active migraines with aura

11. History of head injury requiring intensive care or neurosurgery

12. History of cognitive impairment

13. History of of bipolar, psychotic or substance use disorders

14. Regular use (more than twice a month) of antihistamine medication within the last 6 months.

15. History or presence of malignancy within the last year (except basal and squamous cell skin cancer and in-situ carcinomas)

16. A diagnosis of myelofibrosis or a myelodysplastic syndrome.

17. Previous use of Modius device

18. Participation in other clinical trials sponsored by Neurovalens

19. Participation in any other anxiety studies

20. Have a member of the same household who is currently participating in this study.

21. Not fluent in English language

22. History of vestibular dysfunction or other inner ear disease as indicated by the following screening questions:

    • Do you have a history of any of the following?
    • Have you had hearing trouble?
    • Do you need hearing aids?
    • Have you had Ear Surgery resulting in hearing or balance loss?
    • Do you have Ear Pain?
    • Do you have tinnitus? (A ringing or buzzing in one or both ears)
    • Do you have dizziness?
    • Do you have trouble with balance?