Individualized brain stimulation for patients with disorders of consciousness

Effect of Individualized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in Patients With Disorder of Consciousness

Not applicable Interventional Zhujiang Hospital · NCT05187000

This study is testing if a special type of brain stimulation can help improve awareness and recovery in patients with severe brain injuries who are not fully conscious.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorZhujiang Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05187000 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of individualized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients diagnosed with disorders of consciousness (DOC) due to severe brain injuries. It employs a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled crossover design involving 30 participants, who will receive a total of 20 sessions of either active or sham rTMS. The study aims to assess the potential of rTMS in promoting rehabilitation and improving consciousness in DOC patients, which is a challenging area of treatment. Participants will be monitored for their responses to the stimulation to determine the efficacy of this non-invasive technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with acquired brain injuries resulting in disorders of consciousness, who have been stable for at least 28 days and less than one year.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, recent seizures, or those involved in other neuroregulation trials may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly enhance rehabilitation outcomes for patients with disorders of consciousness.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with rTMS in similar patient populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. acquired brain injuries less than 1 year and more than 28 days in DOC;
2. clinical diagnosis of DOC Disease;
3. no medical history of neuropsychiatric diseases;
4. no contraindications for rTMS or EEG, no sedatives in use or other drugs that might interfere with brain stimulation, such as Na+ or Ca2+ channel blockers or NMDA receptor antagonists;
5. stable state of disease and vital signs;
6. the families of the patients volunteered the patient to participate in the study and provided signed informed consent;
7. the integrity of the individualized stimulation target cortex are verified by MRI.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients in other non-invasive or invasive neuroregulation trials;
2. motor evoked potential (MEP) in M1 region cannot be induced by TMS pulse;
3. uncontrolled epilepsy, seizure within 4 weeks before enrollment;
4. metallic implant in the skull, pacemaker, craniotomy under the stimulated site, implanted brain device.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Disorder of ConsciousnessTranscranial Magnetic Stimulationrepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulationrandomized control trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.