Zapping acupoints may keep seniors Clear-Headed after surgery

NCT ID NCT06161662

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Zhihong LU Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) — a mild electrical pulse on specific acupoints — could reduce postoperative delirium (confusion) in 226 elderly patients having abdominal surgery. Researchers also looked at brain wave (EEG) changes to understand how it might work. The goal is to find a simple, drug-free way to protect older patients' mental clarity after surgery.

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)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a simple, non-drug way to lower the risk of confusion after surgery in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with no phase designation, so results are preliminary. The effect on delirium and EEG changes may not be strong or widely applicable.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Emergence Delirium

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANESTHESIA ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM POSTOPERATIVE DELIRIUM

Contacts and locations

Locations

the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Military Medical University

Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710032, China

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