Overview

Consciousness disorders following severe brain injury refer to a series of disturbances in arousal and cognition secondary to organic brain diseases, including Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) (also termed Vegetative State, VS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS). DoC is listed in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, though it is not currently recognized as an independent and consistent diagnostic category. According to epidemiological surveys, conservative estimates suggest that 70,000 to 100,000 new cases of DoC are reported annually in China, posing significant challenges for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Accurately assessing DoC, understanding its neurobiological underpinnings, and developing effective rehabilitation strategies remain subjects requiring further investigation through both clinical and basic neuroscience research.

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that delivers electrical impulses to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. Substantial evidence indicates that taVNS serves as a therapeutic intervention for various neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression, migraines, and cognitive impairments. As an emerging neurostimulation technique, taVNS has been investigated for its potential to promote the recovery of awareness in patients with DoC. However, clinical evidence remains limited, underscoring the need for further trials to substantiate its efficacy. Developed from traditional implanted VNS, taVNS offers high safety and minimal to negligible side effects, presenting a promising therapeutic avenue for patients with severe traumatic brain injury and disorders of consciousness.

Methods: This study is a single-arm trial. A total of 20 patients are planned to be enrolled. Each patient will receive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) twice daily over a period of 10 consecutive days, totaling 20 sessions. Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after the completion of taVNS treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint will be the change in behavioral responses as evaluated by the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Additionally, resting-state high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and combined transcranial magnetic stimulation with EEG (TMS-EEG) recordings will be utilized to investigate the neurophysiological correlates of taVNS intervention.

Discussion: This study will provide valuable insights to inform the selection of treatment approaches for patients with disorders of consciousness. By employing a pre-post within-subject comparison design, it aims to validate the therapeutic role of Closed-Loop Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (CL-taVNS) in this patient population.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 18-70 years, with a disease duration exceeding 28 days but not longer than 1 year.
• Patients diagnosed with disorders of consciousness (DoC), specifically classified as either vegetative state (VS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) according to the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) based on international guidelines.
• No prior history of neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Absence of contraindications to transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) or electroencephalography (EEG), and no concurrent use of sedatives or medications that may interfere with cerebral stimulation-including Na⁺ or Ca²⁺ channel blockers or NMDA receptor antagonists.
• Intact skin at the auricular site.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participation in other trials involving non-invasive or invasive neuromodulation.
• Uncontrolled epilepsy, defined as seizures occurring within 4 weeks prior to enrollment.
• Presence of cranial metal implants, pacemakers, craniotomy at the stimulation site, implanted brain devices, or similar conditions.
• Cardiac arrhythmia or other significant cardiovascular abnormalities;
• History of respiratory disorders, including dyspnea, asthma, or hyperventilation.
• History of vasovagal syncope.