Ear nerve stimulation tested as hypertension treatment

In the SCRATCH-HTN trial, 63 patients with uncontrolled hypertension used an Afferent Medical Solutions device that delivers electrical pulses to nerves near the ear for 30 minutes daily. The treatment was safe but showed no significant blood pressure reduction across all participants; patients with severe hypertension saw a clearer effect.

• The trial enrolled 63 people already taking blood pressure medication
• The device is worn on the ear and used at home for 30 minutes daily
• No significant difference from sham was found across the full cohort
• Patients with severe hypertension saw a greater reduction on active stimulation