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Rhythmic musical-electrical trigeminal nerve stimulation improves impaired consciousness
Min Wu1, Benyan Luo2, Yamei Yu2
1Department of Neurology & Brain Medical Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.
Neuroimage. Clinical
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Restoring brain oscillations via musical-electrical TNS improved consciousness in disorders of consciousness (DOC) patients. This novel treatment shows promise for improving patient outcomes and predicting long-term recovery.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Consciousness is linked to neural oscillations in the thalamocortical system.
- Disorders of consciousness (DOC) may stem from deficits in these oscillations.
- Non-invasive treatments targeting oscillation restoration for DOC are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a novel treatment, musical-electrical TNS, for restoring thalamocortical oscillations in DOC patients.
- To assess the therapeutic value of oscillation restoration in improving consciousness and long-term outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 63 DOC patients.
- Random assignment to gamma, beta, or sham musical-electrical TNS for 40 minutes daily over five days.
- Assessment of consciousness using behavioral indicators and neural responses, with a one-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Musical-electrical TNS improved consciousness and oscillatory brain activity at stimulation frequencies.
- 43.5% in the gamma group and 25% in the beta group showed diagnostic improvement.
- Benefits were sustained at one year, correlating with behavioral improvements and oscillatory activity.
Conclusions:
- Brain oscillations are crucial for consciousness.
- Musical-electrical TNS is a promising non-invasive approach to enhance consciousness in DOC.
- This treatment may help predict long-term outcomes for patients with disorders of consciousness.
Keywords:
Causal roleDisorders of consciousnessMusical stimulationNeural oscillationsTranscutaneous stimulation
