Key result
Daily taVNS linked to a 9-point coma recovery score increase in one patient.
Why the study?
Neuromodulatory electroceuticals such as vagus nerve stimulation are emerging as potential rehabilitation tools for disorders of consciousness but require further longitudinal evaluation.
Does transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve behavioral and electrophysiological outcomes in a patient with chronic unresponsive wakefulness syndrome?
Comparison
Non-invasive auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) intervention vs baseline
Design
Longitudinal case study
Follow-up
6 months stimulation plus 2 months follow-up
Authors
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taVNS-linked CRS-R gains in one case are hypothesis-generating; controlled trials needed before any clinical consideration in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve behavioral and electrophysiological outcomes in a patient with chronic unresponsive wakefulness syndrome?
Absolute Event Rate: 13% vs 4%
Longitudinal taVNS in a patient with chronic unresponsive wakefulness syndrome was associated with transient behavioral improvements and favorable shifts in autonomic and cortical electrophysiological markers.
Osińska et al. (2022) conducted a case report in Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (n=1). Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) vs. Baseline was evaluated on Coma Recovery Scale - Revised (CRS-R) total score. Daily transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation over 6 months increased the patient's Coma Recovery Scale-Revised score from a baseline of 4 to a peak of 13, suggesting a transition to a Minimally Conscious State.
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