Trans-auricular Nerve Stimulation as an Innovative Approach to the Treatment of Pain in Pediatric Patients Suffering From Sickle Cell Disease

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of sickle-cell anemia (HbSS) * Normal outer ear anatomy and intact skin for tAN placement * Hospitalized for a pain crisis and experiencing pain as a result of SCD * Patients must have had at least one prior hospitalization for a sickle cell pain crisis in the past Exclusion Criteria: * History of seizures * History of uncontrolled psychiatric illness * Repeated episodes of autonomic instability (apnea or bradycardia) that are not self-resolving * Cardiomyopathy * Diagnosis of Acute Chest Syndrome * Unrepaired congenital anomalies affecting the cardiovascular or respiratory system * Hemodynamically unstable patients * Females who are pregnant or lactating. Subjects who refuse a pregnancy test. * Women of childbearing potential, not using adequate contraception as per the investigator's judgment, or not willing to comply with contraception for the duration of the study * Patients with a history of surgery within the last 3 months * Patients who suffered from a stroke within the last 3 months * Patient admitted with a fever or who develops a fever throughout their hospitalization * Patients whose disease-modifying therapy (HU, chronic transfusions, etc.) and/or pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin, etc.) have not yet reached a steady dose * Patients who have had 3 or more hospitalizations for acute pain crises in a given year