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Cibulcova V, Koenig J, Jackowska M, Jandackova VK. Influence of a 2-week transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on memory: findings from a randomized placebo controlled trial in non-clinical adults. Clin Auton Res 2024; 34:447-462. [PMID: 39039354 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-024-01053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Memory plays an essential role in daily life and is one of the first functions to deteriorate in cognitive impairment and dementia. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising therapeutic method; however, its ability to enhance memory is underexplored, especially considering long-term stimulation. We aimed to investigate the effect of a 2-week course of auricular tVNS (taVNS) on memory in a non-clinical population. METHODS This single-blind randomized placebo-wait-list controlled trial recruited 76 participants (30 men; mean age 48.32 years) and randomized them into four groups: early active/sham taVNS and late active/sham taVNS. Participation in the study lasted 4 weeks; early groups underwent 2 weeks intervention immediately following the first study site visit (days 0-13) and late groups 2 weeks after the first study site visit (days 14-27). Active and sham taVNS included 2 weeks of daily 4-h neurostimulation at the tragus or earlobe, respectively. To assess memory, we used the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. RESULTS Two weeks of active taVNS, but not sham taVNS, improved immediate recall and short-term memory score both in early and late groups. Furthermore, the improvements persisted over subsequent follow-up in early active taVNS. Importantly, the effect of active taVNS was superior to sham for immediate recall in both early and late groups. There were no statistical differences in delayed recall. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that taVNS has potential to improve memory, particularly immediate recall, and may be an effective method in preventing memory loss and mitigating cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Cibulcova
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic.
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic.
| | - Julian Koenig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Vera Kr Jandackova
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Syllabova 19, Ostrava, 703 00, Czech Republic
- Department of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
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Wu Y, Zhao K, Wen W, Zhu K, Lu F, Kong Y, Ye X, Wang H. Acupuncture for poststroke coma: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med 2024; 82:103046. [PMID: 38704101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being widely applied in clinical practice, the wake-promoting effect of acupuncture in poststroke coma patients remains controversial. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of poststroke coma. METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for treating poststroke coma were identified in PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKI, WanFang and VIP up to 25 November 2023. The main outcomes were Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, awakening ratio and clinically effective ratio. Stata 17 and Review Manager 5.4 software were used for mate analysis. RESULTS A total of 34 RCTs involving 2757 patients were included. GCS (WMD = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.35 to 2.21) and NIHSS score (WMD = -2.84; 95% CI: -3.84 to -1.84) were significantly increased in acupuncture group compared with control group. Acupuncture combined with routine treatment may be better than routine treatment in improving the awakening ratio (RR= 1.65; 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.91) and the clinically effective ratio (RR= 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.27). Some methodological flaws were identified in the included studies, including non-implementation of blinding, inappropriate disease assessment and heterogeneous interventions. CONCLUSIONS The existing evidence suggests that acupuncture combined with conventional treatment may be an effective treatment for poststroke coma patients. In the meantime, more high-quality RCTs are needed to demonstrate these findings due to methodological weaknesses like randomization, blinding, heterogeneous interventions and long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulun Wu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Zhao
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanshun Wen
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keying Zhu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fei'ao Lu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yurou Kong
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangming Ye
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Research Institute of Zhejiang Province, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Wang Y, Yang L, Liu W, Zhou Q, Huang M, Zou L, Feng Z, Bai Y. The efficacy and safety of bilateral synchronous transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for prolonged disorders of consciousness: a multicenter, double-blind, stratified, randomized controlled trial protocol. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1418937. [PMID: 38882693 PMCID: PMC11176550 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1418937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment of disorders of consciousness (DOC) poses a huge challenge for clinical medicine. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation method, which shows potential in improving recovery of DOC. However, the evidence came from single-center, small-sample randomized controlled trial, which is insufficient to form a conclusion. Thereby, we propose a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, stratified, two-arm randomized controlled trial protocol to investigate the efficacy and safety of bilateral synchronous taVNS for treatment of DOC. Methods We aim to recruit 382 patients with prolonged DOC, and divide them into an active stimulation group and a sham stimulation group. The patients in the active stimulation group will receive bilateral synchronous taVNS with a 200 μs pulse width, 20 Hz frequency, and personal adjusted intensity. The sham stimulation group will wear the same stimulator but without current output. Both groups will receive treatment for 30 min per session, twice per day, 6 days per week lasting for 4 weeks. The clinical assessment including Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS-E) will be conducted to evaluate its efficacy. Heart rate variability (HRV), blood pressure, and adverse events will be recorded to evaluate its safety. Discussion These results will enable us to investigate the efficacy and safety of taVNS for DOC. This protocol will provide multicenter, large-sample, high-quality Class II evidence to support bilateral synchronous taVNS for DOC, and will advance the field of treatment options for DOC.Clinical trial registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=221851, ChiCTR2400081978.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li Yang
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qianhui Zhou
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meiling Huang
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Leyao Zou
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Affiliated Rehabilitation Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Zhou LY, Peng LJ, Liu YF, Wang SW, Qiu Y, Chen SJ, Feng MM, Liu J, Wu SS, Luo T, Liu ZY, Wu HJ, Ge JP, Reinhardt JD, Lu X. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation for consciousness recovery in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (TAVREC): study protocol for a multicenter, triple-blind, randomized controlled trial in China. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083888. [PMID: 38821572 PMCID: PMC11149147 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-083888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) are a catastrophic condition following brain injury with few therapeutic options. Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS), a safe, non-invasive intervention modulating thalamo-cortical connectivity and brain function, is a possible treatment option of pDoC. We developed a protocol for a randomised controlled study to evaluate the effectiveness of taVNS on consciousness recovery in patients with pDoC (TAVREC). METHODS AND ANALYSIS The TAVREC programme is a multicentre, triple-blind, randomised controlled trial with 4 weeks intervention followed by 4 weeks follow-up period. A minimum number of 116 eligible pDoC patients will be recruited and randomly receive either: (1) conventional therapy plus taVNS (30 s monophasic square current of pulse width 300 μs, frequency of 25 Hz and intensity of 1 mA followed by 30 s rest, 60 min, two times per day, for 4 weeks); or (2) conventional therapy plus taVNS placebo. Primary outcome of TAVREC is the rate of improved consciousness level based on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) at week 4. Secondary outcomes are CRS-R total and subscale scores, Glasgow Coma Scale score, Full Outline of UnResponsiveness score, ECG parameters, brainstem auditory evoked potential, upper somatosensory evoked potential, neuroimaging parameters from positron emission tomography/functional MRI, serum biomarkers associated with consciousness level and adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study was reviewed and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Reference number: 2023-SR-392). Findings will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2300073950.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Yun Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Jun Peng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Feng Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Zijin Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Wei Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Jing Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming-Ming Feng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Zijin Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Zijin Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen-Yu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Juan Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Ping Ge
- Nanjing Zijin Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jan D Reinhardt
- Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
- Rehabilitation Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Lu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Kumar S, Agarwal N, Sanal TS. Effectiveness of coma arousal therapy on patients with disorders of consciousness - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Circ 2024; 10:119-133. [PMID: 39036297 PMCID: PMC11259325 DOI: 10.4103/bc.bc_112_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disorders of consciousness (DOC) incorporate stages of awareness and arousal. Through coma arousal therapy sensory deprivation experienced by patients with DOC can be mitigated. Nevertheless, consensus concerning its effectiveness on these patients is still fractional. PURPOSE This review aims to investigate the effectiveness of coma arousal therapies on patients with DOC. METHODS A meta-analysis was performed by searching electronic databases using search terms, the studies investigating the effect of coma arousal therapy in patients with DOC using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised and Glasgow Coma Scale as outcome measures were included. The risk of bias was assessed, using Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Further, analysis was conducted for the included studies. RESULTS Out of 260 studies, 45 trials were reviewed and assessed for bias, with 31 studies included for analysis. The analysis demonstrates a significant difference in pre- and post - sensory stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct current stimulation. Sensory stimulation showed the greatest mean difference of -4.96; 95% CI = -5.76 to - 4.15. The patients who underwent intervention after 3 months of illness showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION The result shows that sensory stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial direct stimulation can improve behavioral outcomes of patients with DOC, wherein sensory stimulation is found to be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjiv Kumar
- Department of Neurophysiotherapy, KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Nupur Agarwal
- Department of Neurophysiotherapy, KAHER Institute of Physiotherapy, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
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Pałasz A, Lipiec-Borowicz A, Suszka-Świtek A, Kistowska J, Horká P, Kaśkosz A, Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Worthington JJ, Mordecka-Chamera K. Spexin and nesfatin-1-expressing neurons in the male human claustrum. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 136:102400. [PMID: 38342331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are involved in numerous brain activities being responsible for a wide spectrum of higher mental functions. The purpose of this concise, structural and qualitative investigation was to map the possible immunoreactivity of the novel regulatory peptides: spexin (SPX) and nesfatin-1 within the human claustrum. SPX is a newly identified peptide, a natural ligand for the galanin receptors (GALR) 2/3, with no molecular structure similarities to currently known regulatory factors. SPX seems to have multiple physiological functions, with an involvement in reproduction and food-intake regulation recently revealed in animal studies. Nesfatin-1, a second pleiotropic neuropeptide, which is a derivative of the nucleobindin-2 (NUCB-2) protein, is characterized by a wide distribution in the brain. Nesfatin-1 is a substance with a strong anorexigenic effect, playing an important role in the neuronal circuits of the hypothalamus that regulate food intake and energy homeostasis. On the other hand, nesfatin-1 may be involved in several important brain functions such as sleep, reproductive behaviour, cognitive processes, stress responses and anxiety. For the first time we detected and described a population of nesfatin-1 and SPX expressing neurons in the human claustrum using immunohistochemical and fluorescent methods. The study presents the novel identification of SPX and nesfatin-1 immunopositive neurons in the human claustrum and their assemblies show similar patterns of distribution in the whole structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Anna Lipiec-Borowicz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Kistowska
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Petra Horká
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Benatska 2, 12801 Prague, Czechia
| | - Andrzej Kaśkosz
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK
| | - Kinga Mordecka-Chamera
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
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Gerges ANH, Williams EER, Hillier S, Uy J, Hamilton T, Chamberlain S, Hordacre B. Clinical application of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38362860 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2313123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is an emerging non-invasive neuromodulation therapy. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic use of taVNS, optimal stimulation parameters, effective sham protocols, and safety. METHODS A scoping review was conducted. Five databases and grey literature were searched. The data extracted included stimulation parameters, adverse events (AEs), and therapeutic effects on clinical outcomes. RESULTS 109 studies were included. taVNS was used across 21 different clinical populations, most commonly in psychiatric, cardiac, and neurological disorders. Overall, 2,214 adults received active taVNS and 1,017 received sham taVNS. Reporting of stimulation parameters was limited and inconsistent. taVNS appeared to have a favourable therapeutic effect across a wide range of clinical populations with varied parameters. Three sham protocols were reported but their effectiveness was documented in only two of the 54 sham-controlled studies. Most reported adverse events were localised to stimulation site. CONCLUSION There is growing evidence for taVNS therapeutic effect. taVNS appears safe and tolerable. Sham protocols need evaluation. Standardised and comprehensive reporting of both stimulation parameters and adverse events is required. Two different questionnaires have been proposed to evaluate adverse events and the effectiveness of sham methods in blinding participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf N H Gerges
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ellen E R Williams
- School of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Susan Hillier
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeric Uy
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Taya Hamilton
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, Australia
- Fourier Intelligence International Pte Ltd., Global Headquarters, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Saran Chamberlain
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Brenton Hordacre
- Innovation, Implementation and Clinical Translation (IIMPACT) in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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Guo B, Han Q, Ni J, Yan Z. Research hotspots and frontiers of neuromodulation techniques in disorders of consciousness: a bibliometric analysis. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1343471. [PMID: 38260028 PMCID: PMC10800698 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1343471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The characteristics of disorders of consciousness (DOC) are changes in arousal and/or awareness caused by severe brain injuries. To date, the management of DOC patients remains a complex and challenging task, and neuromodulation techniques offer a promising solution. However, a bibliometric analysis focusing on neuromodulation techniques in DOC is currently absent. The aim of this study is to provide a bibliometric visualization analysis to investigate the research hotspots and frontiers in the field of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022. Methods The publications were collected and retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) from 2012 to 2022. CiteSpace and Microsoft Excel were utilized perform the first global bibliographic analysis of the literature related to neuromodulation techniques for DOC. Results The analysis included a total of 338 publications. From 2012 to 2022, a consistent yet irregular increase in the number of articles published on neuromodulation techniques in DOC was observed. Frontiers in Neurology published the highest number of papers (n = 16). Neurosciences represented the main research hotspot category (n = 170). The most prolific country, institution, and author were the USA (n = 105), the University of Liege (n = 41), and Laureys Steven (n = 38), respectively. An analysis of keywords revealed that UWS/VS, MCS, and TMS constituted the primary research trends and focal points within this domain. Conclusion This bibliometric study sheds light on the current progress and emerging trends of neuromodulation techniques in DOC from 2012 to 2022. The focal topics in this domain encompass the precise diagnosis of consciousness levels in patients suffering from DOC and the pursuit of efficacious neuromodulation-based evaluation and treatment protocols for such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilian Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiong Han
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun Ni
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Zhou Y, Sun Y, He P, Xiong Q, Kang J, Tang Y, Feng Z, Dong X. The efficacy and safety of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for patients with minimally conscious state: a sham-controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1323079. [PMID: 38156271 PMCID: PMC10752952 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1323079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a potentially effective neuromodulation technique for addressing neurological disorders, including disorders of consciousness. Expanding upon our prior clinical study, which demonstrated the superior effectiveness of a 4-week taVNS treatment in patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) compared to those in a vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state, the aim of this investigation was to evaluate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of taVNS in individuals with MCS through a sham-controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial. Methods A cohort of 50 adult patients (male = 33, female = 17) diagnosed with a MCS were randomly assigned to either the active taVNS (N = 25) or sham taVNS (N = 25) groups. The treatment period lasted for 4 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period. The Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were administered at baseline and weekly during the initial 4 weeks. Additionally, the Disability Rating Scale (DRS) was used to assess the patients' functional abilities via telephone at week 12. Furthermore, various neurophysiological measures, including electroencephalogram (EEG), upper-limb somatosensory evoked potentials (USEP), brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP), and P300 event-related potentials (P300), were employed to monitor changes in brain activity and neural conduction pathways. Results The scores for the active taVNS group in the CRS-R and GCS showed greater improvement over time compared to the sham taVNS group (CRS-R: 1-week, Z = -1.248, p = 0.212; 2-week, Z = -1.090, p = 0.276; 3-week, Z = -2.017, p = 0.044; 4-week, Z = -2.267, p = 0.023. GCS: 1-week, Z = -1.325, p = 0.185; 2-week, Z = -1.245, p = 0.213; 3-week, Z = -1.848, p = 0.065; 4-week, Z = -1.990, p = 0.047). Additionally, the EEG, USEP, BAEP, and P300 also demonstrated significant improvement in the active taVNS group compared to the sham taVNS group at week 4 (EEG, Z = -2.086, p = 0.037; USEP, Z = -2.014, p = 0.044; BAEP, Z = -2.298, p = 0.022; P300 amplitude, Z = -1.974, p = 0.049; P300 latency, t = 2.275, p = 0.027). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with MCS derived greater benefits from receiving taVNS treatment earlier (CRS-R, Disease duration ≤ 1-month, mean difference = 8.50, 95% CI = [2.22, 14.78], p = 0.027; GCS, Disease duration ≤ 1-month, mean difference = 3.58, 95% CI = [0.14, 7.03], p = 0.044). By week 12, the active taVNS group exhibited lower Disability Rating Scale (DRS) scores compared to the sham taVNS group (Z = -2.105, p = 0.035), indicating a more favorable prognosis for MCS patients who underwent taVNS. Furthermore, no significant adverse events related to taVNS were observed during treatment. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that taVNS may serve as a potentially effective and safe intervention for facilitating the restoration of consciousness in individuals diagnosed with MCS. This therapeutic approach appears to enhance cerebral functioning and optimize neural conduction pathways. Clinical trial registration http://www.chictr.org.cn, Identifier ChiCTR2200066629.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yejing Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Pei He
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qi Xiong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Junwei Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yunliang Tang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoyang Dong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Center of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Reale G, Fusco A, Calciano R, Vallario N, Vagnarelli G, Caliandro P, Castelli L, Moci M, Tieri G, Iasevoli L, Padua L. The Immediate Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness after Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7639. [PMID: 38137708 PMCID: PMC10744216 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Disorders of Consciousness (DoCs) after severe acquired brain injury involve substantial impairment of cognition and physical functioning, requiring comprehensive rehabilitation and support. Technological interventions, such as immersive Virtual Reality (VR), have shown promising results in promoting neural activity and enhancing cognitive and motor recovery. VR can induce physical sensations that may activate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and induce ANS-regulated responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of immersive VR on the ANS in patients with DoCs through the analysis of the electrodermal activity (EDA). EDA was measured with a wearable device during a single immersive VR session consisting of static and dynamic videos depicting naturalistic environments. A pilot case-control study was conducted with 12 healthy participants and 12 individuals with DoCs. Results showed higher EDA values in patients than in healthy participants (p = 0.035), suggesting stronger autonomic activation during immersive VR exposure, while healthy subjects, in turn, showed a decrease in EDA values. Our results revealed a significant interaction between conditions and groups (p = 0.003), with patients showing significantly increased EDA values from the baseline compared to dynamic video observation (p = 0.014) and final rest (p = 0.007). These results suggest that immersive VR can elicit sympathetic arousal in patients with DoCs. This study highlights the potential of immersive VR as a tool to strengthen autonomic responses in patients with impaired consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Reale
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Augusto Fusco
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Rossella Calciano
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Vallario
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Vagnarelli
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Caliandro
- UOC Neurologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Letizia Castelli
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Marco Moci
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Gaetano Tieri
- Virtual Reality and Digital Neuroscience Lab, Department of Law and Digital Society, University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, Piazza Sassari, 4, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Iasevoli
- Multiple Sclerosis Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Padua
- UOC Neuroriabilitazione ad Alta Intensità, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy (A.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopaedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Wang L, Gao F, Wang Z, Liang F, Dai Y, Wang M, Wu J, Chen Y, Yan Q, Wang L. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of disorders of consciousness: mechanisms and applications. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1286267. [PMID: 37920298 PMCID: PMC10618368 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1286267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms and applications of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in treating disorders of consciousness (DOC). Beginning with an exploration of the vagus nerve's role in modulating brain function and consciousness, we then delve into the neuroprotective potential of taVNS demonstrated in animal models. The subsequent sections assess the therapeutic impact of taVNS on human DOC, discussing the safety, tolerability, and various factors influencing the treatment response. Finally, the review identifies the current challenges in taVNS research and outlines future directions, emphasizing the need for large-scale trials, optimization of treatment parameters, and comprehensive investigation of taVNS's long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. This comprehensive overview positions taVNS as a promising and safe modality for DOC treatment, with a focus on understanding its intricate neurophysiological influence and optimizing its application in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likai Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feng Liang
- First Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yongli Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengchun Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yaning Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qinjie Yan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Litong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Dong X, Tang Y, Zhou Y, Feng Z. Stimulation of vagus nerve for patients with disorders of consciousness: a systematic review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1257378. [PMID: 37781261 PMCID: PMC10540190 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1257378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stimulating the vagus nerve in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Methods A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, encompassing the search of databases such as PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE and PEDro from their inception until July 2023. Additionally, manual searches and exploration of grey literature were performed. The literature review was conducted independently by two reviewers for search strategy, selection of studies, data extraction, and judgment of evidence quality according to the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine (AACPDM) Study Quality Scale. Results A total of 1,269 articles were retrieved, and 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among these, there were three case reports, five case series, and only two randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Preliminary studies have suggested that stimulation of vagus nerve can enhance the levels of DOCs in both vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness state (VS/UWS) and minimally conscious state (MCS). However, due to a lack of high-quality RCTs research and evidence-based medical evidence, no definitive conclusion can be drawn regarding the intervention's effectiveness on consciousness level. Additionally, there were no significant adverse effects observed following stimulation of vagus nerve. Conclusion A definitive conclusion cannot be drawn from this systematic review as there was a limited number of eligible studies and low-quality evidence. The findings of this systematic review can serve as a roadmap for future research on the use of stimulation of vagus nerve to facilitate recovery from DOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhen Feng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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13
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Zhuang Y, Zhai W, Li Q, Jiao H, Ge Q, Rong P, He J. Effects of simultaneous transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation and high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation on disorders of consciousness: a study protocol. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1165145. [PMID: 37693756 PMCID: PMC10483839 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1165145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques are now widely used in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) for accelerating their recovery of consciousness, especially minimally conscious state (MCS). However, the effectiveness of single NIBS techniques for consciousness rehabilitation needs further improvement. In this regard, we propose to enhance from bottom to top the thalamic-cortical connection by using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and increase from top to bottom cortical-cortical connections using simultaneous high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to reproduce the network of consciousness. Methods/design The study will investigate the effect and safety of simultaneous joint stimulation (SJS) of taVNS and HD-tDCS for the recovery of consciousness. We will enroll 84 MCS patients and randomize them into two groups: a single stimulation group (taVNS and HD-tDCS) and a combined stimulation group (SJS and sham stimulation). All patients will undergo a 4-week treatment. The primary outcome will be assessed using the coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) at four time points to quantify the effect of treatment: before treatment (T0), after 1 week of treatment (T1), after 2 weeks of treatment (T2), and after 4 weeks of treatment (T3). At the same time, nociception coma scale-revised (NCS-R) and adverse effects (AEs) will be collected to verify the safety of the treatment. The secondary outcome will involve an analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) microstates to assess the response mechanisms of dynamic brain networks to SJS. Additionally, CRS-R and AEs will continue to be obtained for a 3-month follow-up (T4) after the end of the treatment. Discussion This study protocol aims to innovatively develop a full-time and multi-brain region combined neuromodulation paradigm based on the mesocircuit model to steadily promote consciousness recovery by restoring thalamocortical and cortical-cortical interconnections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Clinical College of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihang Zhai
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qinghua Li
- College of Anesthesiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haoyang Jiao
- Institute of Documentation, Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peijing Rong
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianghong He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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Cheng L, Sun L, Xu L, Zhao F, Liu X, Wang A, Di H, Cong YS. Randomized trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on patients with disorders of consciousness: A study protocol. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1116115. [PMID: 37122310 PMCID: PMC10133680 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1116115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has recently been explored for the treatment of Disorders of consciousness (DoC) caused by traumatic brain injury. The evidence of taVNS during the consciousness recovery has been recently reported. However, the mechanism of taVNS in the recovery of consciousness is not clear. This study attempts to investigate the effectiveness of taVNS in DoC by means of Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R), Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Electrophysiology (EEG), and Single-molecular array (Simoa). Methods/design Nighty patients with DoC acquired brain injury are randomized into one of three groups receiving sham taVNS or active taVNS (just left and left or right), respectively. Each of the three groups will experience a 40 days cycle (every 10 days for a small period, baseline 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, 5 days per week, then no intervention for 2 weeks, intervention 2 weeks, 40 min per day, and 5 days per week). Primary outcomes (CRS-R) will be recorded five times during every period. Secondary outcomes will be recorded at the first and at the last period [MRI, EEG, Phosphorylated tau (P-tau), and Neurofilament light chain (NFL)]. We will take notes the adverse events and untoward effects during all cycles. Discussion Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation as a painless, non-invasive, easily applied, and effective therapy was applied for treatment of patients with depression and epilepsy several decades ago. Recent progress showed that taVNS has behavioral effects in the consciousness recovery. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the effects of taVNS on brain activity. Therefore, we will design a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of taVNS therapy for DoC, and explore neural anatomy correlated to taVNS during the consciousness recovery. Finally, this protocol also tests some biomarkers along with the recovery of consciousness. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045161. Registered on 9 April 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Qianjiang College, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingxiu Sun
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Falin Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochen Liu
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anqi Wang
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haibo Di
- International Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome and Consciousness Science Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- Haibo Di,
| | - Yu-Sheng Cong
- Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Sheng Cong,
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Jang SH, Cho MJ. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation in disorders of consciousness: A mini-narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31808. [PMID: 36550876 PMCID: PMC9771208 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In this mini review, 6 studies that investigated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) were reviewed. Generally, the application of taVNS in patients with DOC appears to be effective (positive results in 5 of 6 studies) and safe. Furthermore, 4 studies that evaluated changes in the brain following taVNS reported positive results (2 studies, functional magnetic resonance imaging and 2 studies, electroencephalography). Based on our review of the 6 studies, we believe that research and clinical application of taVNS in DOC are in the initial stages and have the following limitations. First, there is a shortage of studies on this topic, with only 6 studies, 2 of which were case reports. Second, 5 studies were performed without control or sham groups. Third, there was no standardization of treatment schedules and electrical stimulation parameters. Therefore, further studies to overcome the above limitations should be encouraged; further original studies involving a larger number of patients in the control or sham groups are needed. However, studies on the optimal conditions (treatment schedule and electrical stimulation parameters) for taVNS in patients with DOC are necessary. Furthermore, neuroimaging studies should be undertaken to elucidate the neurological mechanisms for the recovery of impaired consciousness in DOC and the lasting effects of taVNS on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ho Jang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jye Cho
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu, Republic of Korea
- * Correspondence: Min Jye Cho, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, 317-1, Daemyung dong, Namgu, Daegu 705-717, Republic of Korea (e-mail: )
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