About IB-Stim

IB-Stim Standard Of Care For Functional Abdominal Pain

Body diagram illustrating the vagus nerve, highlighting its connection to the brain and digestive system.

Does your child suffer from chronic, functional abdominal pain associated with IBS?

IB-Stim is the first FDA cleared therapy for children with this condition. According to the North American and European societies for Pediatric Gastroenerology, Hepatology and Nutrition, IB-Stim has the highest level of scientific evidence for benefit and safety. IB-Stim provides:

  • A drug free alternative for children 8-21 years old

  • Long lasting relief from just 4 weeks of treatment

  • Minimal to no side effects
Diagram illustrating the vagus nerve, highlighting its pathway from the brain stem to the digestive organs, including the stomach and intestines.

IB-Stim is a non-surgical device that resets the communication between the gut and the brain by sending gentle electrical impulses into cranial nerve bundles located in the ear. This stimulation targets brain areas involved in processing pain and aids in the reduction of functional abdominal pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

IB-Stim is a 5-day (120 hours) treatment typically worn for 3 consecutive weeks. We will work alongside your healthcare provider to determine your specific treatment plan.

What does our center provide for the family and patient?

What does our center provide for the family and patient?

essential planning

Virtual consultation with a provider to ensure that the patient is a good candidate.

Assistance

Prior authorizations services and insurance verification when needed.

Expertise

Hassle-free appointments with expert placement of devices

Professionalism

Written communication to referring provider during treatment.

Support

24/7 support for family and patient during IB-Stim treatment period.

Let’s discuss your digestive health requirements.

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Body diagram illustrating the vagus nerve, highlighting its connection to the brain and digestive system.

IB-Stim Standard Of Care For Functional Abdominal Pain

What To Expect With IB-Stim

  • IB-Stim is a non-surgical device placed peripherally (it is not permanently implanted).

  • Medical providers are trained to place the IB-Stim through NeurAxis Certification.

  • Once the provider is trained, the device can be placed in the outpatient clinic and can be removed by the provider in the clinic or the patient at home.

  • IB-Stim stays on for a total of 5-days to allow delivery of gentle electrical pulses to nerves below the skin that access the central nervous system.

  • A study in adolescents showed greater improvement in functional abdominal pain and global symptom improvement with every week of treatment (up to 4 weeks).

  • At the end of the 4-week study, 95% of adolescents stated they would recommend the treatment to family or friends.

How does IB-Stim work?

How does IB-Stim work?

Please watch our overview of the IB-Stim process.

Ver la versión en español del vídeo.

What you can do while wearing the IB-Stim device:

What you can do while wearing the IB-Stim device:

  • Attend school and extracurricular activities.
  • Exercise or play non-contact sports. Use a towel to wipe away any excessive sweat around device.

  • Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to remove your device after 5 days.

  • Reinforce the leads with provided supplies if necessary. Take a photo immediately following placement so you can see where all leads need to be.

  • Shower, using a dry washcloth or plastic cup to cover device.

  • Wear ear buds or headphones.

  • Travel. You can pass through a TSA checkpoint using the Patient Information Card which will be provided.

What you should avoid do while wearing the IB-Stim device:

What you should avoid do while wearing the IB-Stim device:

  • Do not wear metal earrings.

  • Do not use a hot tub or sauna.

  • Do not swim. The device should not be immersed in water. It will not work properly.

  • Do not remove the device unless your healthcare provider advised you to remove the device.

  • Do not play high contact sports or wear a helmet. Some contact sports could cause dislodgment of device (helmets can cause excessive sweating).

  • Do not have an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan while wearing device. IB-Stim must be removed before entering an MRI scanning room.

Will Insurance Cover My IB-Stim Device?

Will Insurance Cover My IB-Stim Device?

The level of coverage and rules for coverage of the IB-Stim device will depend on your specific insurance policy. The Inspire Center for Digestive Health can help you and your healthcare provider understand your insurance coverage and financial assistance options. If you have questions regarding insurance or coverage for IB-Stim, work with your healthcare provider. Inspire is committed to adolescents who have been diagnosed with Functional Abdominal Pain associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome and will assist you as needed.