The efficacy of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in ındividuals with tension-type headache: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) on headache characteristics, autonomic functions, quality of life, and psychological state in individuals with tension-type headache (TTH). In this randomized controlled trial, participants were divided into two groups (n = 15) using block randomization: the VNS group and the control group. The control group received standard treatment, while the VNS group received additional taVNS. Headache characteristics (Headache Diary), autonomic functions, quality of life (Headache Impact Scale) and psychological status (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21)) of the individuals were evaluated before and after the intervention. When comparing pre- and post-intervention scores, the VNS group showed significant reductions in headache frequency (p = 0.004), duration (p = 0.033), intensity (p < 0.001), headache impact scale scores (p < 0.001), DASS21-Depression (p = 0.005), DASS21-Anxiety (p = 0.004), and DASS21-Stress (p = 0.013). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the VNS group had significantly lower scores in headache frequency (p = 0.004), intensity (p = 0.016), headache impact scale (p < 0.001), DASS21-Anxiety (p = 0.021), and DASS21-Stress (p = 0.007) compared to the control group. taVNS was found to reduce headache, depression, anxiety, and stress symptom severity while improving quality of life. These results suggest that taVNS can be used as a complementary treatment for individuals with TTH.