Operational Guidelines for Median Nerve Electrical Stimulation Techniques in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness

Median nerve electrical stimulation (MNS) is a safe and non-invasive neuromodulation technique that has shown significant efficacy in facilitating the recovery of consciousness in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC). By stimulating peripheral nerves with specific parameters, this technique effectively enhances the activity of the central nervous system, offering a crucial therapeutic option for pDoC patients. However, standardized clinical protocols for MNS have not been established either domestically or internationally, significantly compromising the consistency and comparability of treatment outcomes. The establishment of operational guidelines for the MNS technique can effectively standardize operational procedures, improve treatment efficacy, and reduce risks associated with therapy, which is crucial for advancing the rehabilitation process of pDoC patients and reducing the socio-economic burden. This standard specifies the terminology and definitions, indications and contraindications, practitioner qualifications, environmental and equipment requirements, treatment protocols, as well as potential adverse reactions and corresponding management for MNS in pDoC. It is applicable to healthcare institutions and integrated medical-care facilities at all levels when performing MNS on patients with pDoC, with the aim of enhancing clinical rehabilitation outcomes, reducing mortality and disability rates, promoting functional recovery, and alleviating socio-economic burdens.