Hand Jing-Well Points Stimulation to Treat Disorders of Consciousness

A Multi-center Randomised Controlled Trial to Explore the Ideal Stimulation Strategies at Hand Twelve Jing-Well Points in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness

The purpose of this academic lead study is to explore the ideal stimulation strategies at Hand twelve jing-well points in patients with disorders of consciousness.

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 brian injury
• Epilepsy and seizure
• Unstable vital signs or life-threatening comorbidities
• Active implant (e.g., cardiac pacemakers/defibrillators, deep brain stimulators, ventriculoperitoneal shunt, etc)
• Documented pregnancy