Ear zaps might wake up coma patients?
NCT ID NCT04065386
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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MINIMALLY CONSCIOUS STATE are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège
Liège, Liège, 4000, Belgium
-
Centre Neurologique William Lennox
Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant Wallon, 1340, Belgium