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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness
Published on: August 1, 2017
Current Status of Neuromodulatory Therapies for Disorders of Consciousness
Xiaoyu Xia1, Yi Yang1, Yongkun Guo2
1Department of Neurosurgery, PLA Army General Hospital, Beijing, 100700, China.
Abstract:
Treatment for disorders of consciousness (DOCs) is still a Gordian knot. Evidence-based guidelines on the treatment of DOC patients are not currently available, while neuromodulation techniques are seen as a potential treatment. Multiple neuromodulation therapies have been applied. This article reviews the most relevant studies in the literature in order to describe a clear picture of the current state of neuromodulation therapies that could be used to treat DOC patients. Both invasive and non-invasive brain stimulation is discussed. Significant behavioral improvements in prolonged DOCs under neuromodulation therapies are rare. The efficacy of various such therapies remains a matter of debate. Further clinical investigations of existing techniques in larger samples properly controlling for spontaneous recovery are needed, and new approaches are awaited.
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