Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation at Hand Jing-Well Points for Disorders of Consciousness

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This multicenter trial tests whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at the twelve hand Jing-Well points can improve consciousness in adults with disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury. It compares TEAS to sham stimulation in a randomized, controlled design with blinded endpoint assessment. The study builds on prior signals suggesting possible benefit but aims to provide more robust evidence. Eligible participants are adults 18-80 within 7-90 days of injury, diagnosed with VS/UWS or MCS, and with intact hand skin. Exclusion criteria include active sedatives or certain neurological conditions, unstable health, implanted electronic devices, or pregnancy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18-80 years old;
* From 7 to 90 days since brain injury;
* Diagnosed in VS/UWS or MCS as defined by at least two CRS-R assessments performed during the screening period
* Acquired cerebral damage of known etiology
* Intact hand skin
* Informed consent given by the legal surrogate

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who continuously receive sedative drugs and Na+ or Ca2+ channel blockers (e.g., carbamazepine) or NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., dextromethorphan)
* History of previous serious、progressive neurological disorder prior to the brain injury;
* Epilepsy and seizure
* Unstable vital signs or life-threatening comorbidities
* Implanted devices: including cardiac pacemakers or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), deep brain stimulators, ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, and other indwelling electronic or neurosurgical implants.
* Documented pregnancy

Where it's running

• Xijing Hospital
  Xi'an, Shaanxi, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Wen Jiang, Dr.
• Email: jiangwen@fmmu.edu.cn
• Phone: +86 29 84771319

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.