Prefontal tDCS in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness: Neurophysiological and Behavioural Outcomes

Non-invasive brain stimulations techniques have recently shown promising results in patients with disorders. Notably, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex has proved to be effective in improving signs of consciousness in about 50% of patients in MCS either after a single stimulation or after repeated sessions. However, brain mechanisms underlying tDCS effects remain poorly understood. Here we aim to assess the effects of prefrontal tDCS on neurophysiological (i.e., electroencephalography - EEG - primary outcome) and behavioral (secondary outcome) measures in severely brain-injured patients with DOC.