The Effect of Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Pain and Mood in Patients with Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective

The treatment of neuropathic pain (NP) remains a major clinical challenge. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is an emerging neuromodulatory therapy whose efficacy and durability require systematic evaluation. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence on the short-term (1 week), medium-term (4 weeks), and long-term (12 weeks) effects of taVNS on pain relief and mood improvement in patients with NP.