Ear zaps might wake up coma patients?

NCT ID NCT04065386

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Liege Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a mild electrical stimulation on the ear (taVNS) could improve awareness in 44 patients with disorders of consciousness after a coma. For 5 days, patients received either real or sham stimulation. Researchers measured changes in behavior and brain activity. The goal was to see if this simple, non-invasive method could help jumpstart recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, non-invasive way to help some patients with severe brain injuries regain awareness.
What could go wrong: This is a small early trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effect may be modest or not last long.

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 Persistent Vegetative State

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CONSCIOUSNESS DISORDER MINIMALLY CONSCIOUS STATE VEGETATIVE STATE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège

Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
Centre Neurologique William Lennox

Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant Wallon, 1340, Belgium

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