Brain zaps aim to unlock movement in Locked-In patients

NCT ID NCT07257601

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Zhujiang Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether combining two types of brain stimulation—tDCS and rTMS—can improve motor function in people with locked-in syndrome, a condition where the body is paralyzed but the mind is awake. Researchers will enroll 72 participants and randomly assign them to receive real or fake (sham) stimulation for 4 weeks. The goal is to see if the treatment helps with movement, as measured by standard motor and facial nerve tests, with follow-ups up to 6 months.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to help people with locked-in syndrome regain some movement and independence.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 72 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatments are non-invasive but may not produce meaningful improvement, and the sham groups help test if any benefit is real.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LOCKED-IN SYNDROME are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

locked-in syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOCKED-IN SYNDROME

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.