Ear stimulation and robot therapy could wake up injured brains

NCT ID NCT06930716

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This pilot study tests whether combining a gentle nerve stimulator placed on the ear (taVNS) with robotic tilt-table therapy can safely help people with prolonged disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury. Fifteen participants will undergo 12 weeks of paired therapy, and researchers will measure changes in consciousness and function. The goal is to see if this combination is feasible and might boost 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 vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) via ear device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new rehabilitation approach to help people with long-term consciousness disorders regain function.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 15 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is experimental and may not lead to meaningful recovery.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain injury Consciousness Disorders

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALTERED LEVEL OF CONSCIOUSNESS BRAIN INJURY CONSCIOUSNESS DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Abilities Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10029, United States

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