What is IB-STIM?
The Center for Neurogastroenterology and Motility Disorders at Connecticut Children’s is one of the few institutions in New England to offer IB-STIM. IB-STIM is an FDA-approved non-surgical device that safely and effectively treats functional abdominal pain in adolescents. It is placed on the ear and provides gentle, electrical impulses that stimulate specific areas of the brain and cranial nerves involved in processing pain. Research has shown IB-STIM can reduce abdominal pain related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in patients 11 to 18 years old.
Placing the IB-STIM
The device is placed in an outpatient clinical setting. Your child’s care team, including their doctor, nurse and medical assistant, are present to answer any questions.
While your child is lying on the examination table, the device is placed on their desired ear. They then remain in the room for an hour to be monitored for immediate side effects such as ear pain, dizziness or nausea. You or other family members may stay with your child during this test.
While the device is in place, your child can continue normal day-to-day activities. After five days, your child can remove the device at home and throw it away. The following Monday, they return to Connecticut Children’s to have a new IB-STIM device placed. This process is repeated for four consecutive weeks.
If you are interested in IB-STIM for your child, please talk to your doctor.