RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07719595

Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Patients in Comatose State

Dual-Site Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation (taVNS + taTNS) for Disorders of Consciousness After Traumatic Brain Injury: A Pilot Efficacy Study

Sponsor

Sima Mofakham

Enrollment

10 participants

Start Date

Jun 26, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Traumatic Brain Injury Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Disorders of Consciousness Due to Severe Brain Injury Coma, Traumatic

Summary

Some patients with severe traumatic brain injury cannot respond at the bedside, yet about 1 in 4 may be aware but unable to show it - a hidden state called cognitive motor dissociation. This study tests a gentle, non-invasive treatment delivered through clips on the left ear that stimulates two nerves at once: the vagus nerve at the inner ear (taVNS) and the trigeminal nerve at the outer ear (taTNS). Each nerve has separately been shown to help people with disorders of consciousness recover, but they have not been combined before. All enrolled patients receive the stimulation for one hour a day, with continuous heart and oxygen monitoring and a pain-protection check used to keep the dose safe. The study measures recovery two ways: the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), scored by clinicians, and SeeMe, an automated camera system that detects tiny command-driven movements the eye cannot see.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This clinical trial is studying a medical device called Dual-Site Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation (taVNS + taTNS) for people with coma, traumatic, disorders of consciousness due to severe brain injury, and other related conditions. The study is currently recruiting participants at 1 location. People eligible for this study include aged 18 Years and older.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

DEVICEDual-Site Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation (taVNS + taTNS)

DEVICE: Dual-Site Transcutaneous Auricular Nerve Stimulation (taVNS + taTNS). Delivered via ear-clip electrodes on the LEFT ear using the Sparrow Ascent / Sparrow Link tAN System (Spark Biomedical; FDA-cleared K230796), operated as an NSR investigational device. Vagal site (inner ear / cymba conchae): 15 Hz, 250 µs pulse width, 3 mA fixed, duty cycle 5 min on / 10 s off. Trigeminal site (outer ear): 100 Hz, 250 µs pulse width, 3 mA fixed, duty cycle 5 min on / 10 s off. Session: 1 hour/day. Course: 7 consecutive days, extendable to 28 days. Intensity titrated with the Nociception Coma Scale-Revised (NCS-R): step down 0.5 mA if NCS-R \> 4/9, SpO2 ≤ 95%, or HR rises ≥ 20 bpm; continuous cardiac/hemodynamic monitoring with prespecified stopping rules.