Evaluation of the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and psychosensory stimulation through DOCS scale in a minimally conscious subject

The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on alertness improvement in a patient in a minimally conscious state (MCS) by means of disorders of consciousness scale combined with psycho-sensory stimulation. The effects of tDCS on muscle hypertonia through the Ashworth scale were also examined. tDCS was performed through a two-channel intra-cephalic stimulator. After stimulation, the patient followed a psychosensory stimulation training. Results pointed out an increase in DOCunit score, as well as an increase in alertness maintenance and an improvement in muscle hypertonia, although a MCS state persisted.

本研究旨在结合意识障碍量表与心理感官刺激，评估经颅直流电刺激（transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS）对最小意识状态（minimally conscious state, MCS）患者警觉性提升的作用效果。此外，本研究还通过阿什沃思量表（Ashworth scale）考察了tDCS对肌肉张力亢进的影响。本次刺激采用双通道颅内刺激器实施，刺激结束后，患者接受了心理感官刺激训练。研究结果显示，尽管患者仍处于最小意识状态，但其DOCunit评分有所提升，警觉性维持能力得到增强，肌肉张力亢进状况也获得改善。