Using rTMS to treat patients with disorders of consciousness

Targeting Anterior or Posterior, Where is Better for DOC

Not applicable Interventional Zhujiang Hospital · NCT06527573

This study is testing if a special brain stimulation treatment can help improve alertness and awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness caused by brain injuries.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment84 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorZhujiang Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangzhou)
Trial IDNCT06527573 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on patients with disorders of consciousness, which can result from brain injuries. The research aims to compare the outcomes of active rTMS versus sham stimulation to assess improvements in alertness and awareness. Patients will be carefully selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, ensuring that those with stable conditions and no contraindications for rTMS are enrolled. The study seeks to understand how targeted brain stimulation can influence recovery in these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with acquired brain injuries who have been diagnosed with a disorder of consciousness within the specified time frame.

Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, certain metallic implants, or those currently participating in other neuroregulation trials may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance recovery and improve the quality of life for patients with disorders of consciousness.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS in similar contexts is emerging, this specific approach targeting disorders of consciousness is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

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 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, Guangzhou

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 Consciousness
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.