Promoting Consciousness Recovery in Patients with Acquired Brain Injury Through Multimodal Sensory Stimulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Median Nerve and Auricular Stimulation.
Hai Li, Wei Song, Shuping Zeng et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether adding auricular intradermal needling to median nerve electrical stimulation (MNES) improved outcomes in 116 patients with disorders of consciousness after acquired brain injury. Participants received standard care plus MNES, with or without auricular needling. In intention-to-treat analysis, the combined-treatment group had a greater increase in Coma Recovery Scale-Revised scores at 4 weeks (mean difference: 1.62, P = 0.022) and 3 months (mean difference: 2.05, P = 0.006). Awakening rates and other reported secondary outcomes also favored combined treatment; no serious treatment-related adverse events occurred.
Key findings
- CRS-R score increases favored combined treatment at 4 weeks (mean difference: 1.62, P = 0.022) and 3 months (mean difference: 2.05, P = 0.006).
- Awakening rates were 48.28% vs. 27.59% at 4 weeks and 62.07% vs. 41.38% at 3 months, favoring combined treatment.
- Favorable GOS outcomes (scores 4–5) occurred in 55.17% vs. 31.03%; GCS scores and family satisfaction also favored combined treatment.
- No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
Disorders of consciousness after acquired brain injury are challenging to manage, and this trial reports better consciousness and neurological outcomes when auricular needling was added to MNES. The findings provide clinical evidence for further evaluation of a combined stimulation approach, while the reported outcomes and follow-up should be considered when interpreting its potential role.
What to keep in mind
The abstract reports outcomes through 3 months after acquired brain injury; longer-term effects are not described.