Scalp Acupuncture for Consciousness State Management in ICU: a protocol of a randomized controlled trial

[BACKGROUND] Consciousness disorder is a common clinical symptom in the intensive care unit (ICU). Whether it is the change of awakening or consciousness content, it will bring challenges to the treatment, affect patients' compliance, and even lead to unnecessary complications. It is essential to improve the management of consciousness disorder in the ICU. Scalp acupuncture is commonly using for nervous system diseases as an acupuncture intervention in China. However, considering the characteristics of patients in the ICU, whether scalp acupuncture can be used safely and effectively in the management of consciousness disorder in the ICU needs careful evaluation. [OBJECTIVE] To understand the role of scalp acupuncture for consciousness disorder management in ICU and provide clinical evidence for a non-medication intervention for consciousness disorder management in ICU. [METHODS] hrough randomized controlled trial, patients in ICU will be allocated into two groups (acupuncture group and medication group). During consciousness management in ICU, acupuncture group receive both scalp acupuncture and medication, while medication group receive medication only. Discuss the role, effect, and safety of scalp acupuncture in the management of consciousness disorder in ICU. [TRIAL REGISTRATION] ChiCTR2300069586. VERSION Modified on 28 th March 2023.