Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for consciousness recovery in children with disorders of consciousness following traumatic brain injury

This study provided the first clinical evidence that the combined application of 5 Hz rTMS targeting the left DLPFC is a safe and effective intervention for promoting the recovery of consciousness in children with DOC following TBI. Significant improvements in behavioral scales (CRS-R, GCS) and reduced levels of the neurological injury marker (serum NSE) suggest that this protocol exerts dual effects of promoting arousal and neuroprotection. This novel treatment approach, designed based on the characteristics of pediatric neurological development, offers a promising non-invasive neuromodulation strategy for this challenging patient population, filling a critical evidence gap in this field.