Electroacupuncture at Jing-Well Points for Chronic Disorders of Consciousness: A Randomized Contr… (NCT07551076) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Electroacupuncture at Jing-Well Points for Chronic Disorders of Consciousness: A Randomized Controlled Study With Multimodal Assessment
66 participantsStarted 2026-05-30
Plain-language summary
Disorder of consciousness (DOC) is a common complication of severe central nervous system injury. It is defined as prolonged DOC when lasting more than 28 days. About 300,000-800,000 patients are affected worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of 29%-50%, causing a heavy social and family burden.
Although progress has been made in pathophysiology, clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory, and arousal treatment for DOC is still challenging. Internationally recommended therapies, such as neurotrophic drugs, hyperbaric oxygen and invasive neuromodulation, have side effects or uncertain efficacy.
In traditional Chinese medicine, post-TBI DOC is classified as "shen hun" (mental clouding). Bloodletting at Jing-Well points promotes arousal by regulating qi and blood and unblocking collaterals. Preliminary studies showed it may improve consciousness in DOC patients, but with small samples and short observation periods.
Acupuncture, such as the Xingnao Kaiqiao method, induces arousal by improving cerebral blood flow and activating neural networks. Our team proposed the "Jing-Well point-brain correlation" hypothesis and found that electrostimulation at Jing-Well points improves cognitive function, but lacks standardized assessment and large-sample evidence.
Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy, mechanisms and suitable populations to provide high-quality evidence-based support.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 72 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Meet the above diagnostic criteria for pDoC and be diagnosed as Vegetative State (VS) / Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome (UWS) or Minimally Conscious State (MCS) based on at least two assessments using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R);
* First onset of impaired consciousness with a clear etiology (traumatic brain injury / intracerebral hemorrhage / cerebral infarction) and a complete medical history;
* No obvious hydrocephalus or severe cerebral atrophy, with a disease course ranging from 28 days to 6 months;
* Aged between 18 and 72 years, with no gender restriction;
* No significant cognitive, hearing, or visual impairment prior to onset;
* Able to communicate accurately in Chinese before onset, with no history of major neurological or psychiatric disorders;
* Clinically stable and not having participated in other clinical trials within the past 3 months;
* Informed consent signed by the patient's family member or legal representative.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with consciousness disturbance of unknown etiology;
* Patients in coma due to neurodegenerative diseases, intracranial infection, or after brain tumor surgery;
* Patients with severe complications;
* Heart rate exceeding 70% of the age-predicted maximum heart rate, a decrease of \>20% from resting heart rate, \<40 beats/min, or \>130 beats/min;
* Blood oxygen saturation \<88%; systolic blood pressure \>180 mmHg, or presence of orthostatic hypotension, mean arterial pressure \<65 …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
coma recovery scale-revised
Timeframe: "Baseline"、"After 3 weeks of treatment"