Non-invasive brain stimulations techniques have recently shown promising results in patients with disorders of consciousness. Notably, a case reported improvement of level of consciousness using transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation in a patient in unresponsive wakefulness syndrome. Here we aim to assess the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation on post-coma patients with disorders of consciousness in a first randomized controlled trial. To measure these effects, behavioral (Coma recovery scale revised - CRS-R -primary outcome) and neuro-electrophysiological (electroencephalography - EEG - secondary outcome) data will be recorded in severely brain-injured patients with DOC.
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Change in CRS-R total score and index score
Timeframe: Before the installation of the EEG equipment in the pre-stimulation period and 5 minutes after the post-stimulation resting state EEG (immediately after removing the equipment).