Brain zaps may wake up coma patients – early trial launches
NCT ID NCT07213869
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called alpha tACS can improve consciousness in people who have been in a vegetative or minimally conscious state for 3–12 months after a traumatic brain injury. Five adults will each receive alternating two-week periods of stimulation and no stimulation over three months. The goal is to see if the stimulation leads to measurable improvements in awareness and brain activity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new non-drug treatment to help people with disorders of consciousness regain awareness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, tiny study (only 5 people) with no control group. The results may not apply to others, and the treatment may show no clear benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Post-Intensive Care Neurorehabilitation Unit (Service de Reeducation Post-Reanimation) in Pierre Wertheimer Neurologic Hospital
Bron, 69029, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Brain scans may reveal hidden signs of consciousness after severe injury
- Zapping the brain with gentle electricity may reveal hidden signs of consciousness
- Brain wiring maps may forecast coma recovery after cardiac arrest
- Could a stroke drug wake up the brain? small study aims to find out.
- Can acupuncture spark awareness in Brain-Injury patients?
- Brain wave test may unlock hidden awareness in coma patients