Can a tiny zing at your fingertips wake the brain? new trial aims to find out

NCT ID NCT07535593

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Xijing Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a mild, painless electrical stimulation at specific acupoints on the hands can help people with disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury. The treatment is given daily for 14 days. Researchers will compare the stimulation to a sham (fake) treatment to see if it safely improves awareness. The trial plans to enroll 160 adults aged 18-80.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at hand Jing-Well points
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, noninvasive way to help some patients with disorders of consciousness regain awareness.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with only 160 participants. A previous smaller study did not show a clear benefit, so results may not be conclusive.

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.

Consciousness Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DISORDERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS DUE TO SEVERE BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Xijing Hospital
RECRUITING

Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

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