Can a gentle ear zap wake the brain after a bleed?
NCT ID NCT07761507
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation applied to the ear—called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation—can help people recover consciousness after surgery for a spontaneous brain hemorrhage. The study will include 160 adults aged 18 to 75 who remain in a disorder of consciousness five days after surgery. Half will receive the active stimulation and half a sham (inactive) device, worn for 8 hours daily over 6 weeks, with the goal of seeing if more people regain awareness by day 90.
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 vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), a noninvasive device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the ear
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a safe, noninvasive way to help people recover consciousness after severe brain hemorrhage surgery, potentially reducing long-term disability.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small, early-stage trial, and the treatment may not improve outcomes. The stimulation is generally well-tolerated but could cause discomfort or skin irritation at the ear site.
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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
Locations
-
Capital Medical University Affliated Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, Beijing
RECRUITINGBeijing, China
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