Publications

ABSTRACT : 

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the most common cause of death and disability worldwide. Approximately 10–15% of patients affected by TBI will end up in a coma. Coma caused by TBI presents a significant challenge to neuroscientists. The median nerve is a portal that interacts with the comatose injured brain. Peripheral nerve electrical stimulation has central nervous system (CNS) effects. Right median nerve electrical stimulation has been reported as a simple, inexpensive, non-invasive technique to speed recovery and improve outcomes for traumatic comatose patients. 

OBJECTIVE: Review existing research on the effects of median nerve stimulation on arousal and awareness in comatose or minimally conscious patients. 

METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted over the last twelve years across major databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Research Gate. The studies included patients with traumatic brain injury and a GCS Score between 5-8. Out of the 95 articles identified from the databases, only six articles met the inclusion criteria. 

RESULT: The patients showed significant improvement in their GCS Scores. Hence right median nerve stimulation improves the levels of consciousness in subjects with traumatic brain injury. 

CONCLUSION: Right median nerve stimulation is associated with improvement of consciousness in patients with closed traumatic brain injury. 

KEYWORDS: Median nerve, Electrical stimulation, Closed traumatic brain injury, Comatose patients, Glasgow coma scale.