Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria for electro-acupuncture in severe traumatic brain injury trial

Inclusion

Patients with severe traumatic brain injury admitted to ICU:

• Initial GCS score less than 8 points on admission

• Estimated ICU stay longer than 2 weeks

• Normal consciousness level before brain injury, no primary disorders in cognitive or motor function

• Aged from 18 to 75 years

• Agree to participate in the study and sign the informed consent

Exclusion

Patients are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply:

• Vital signs are not stable on admission, die within 24 h

• Women with pregnancy

• Legal representative or immediate family has no strong treatment intent, can withdraw from treatment within 1 week

• Patients with multiple trauma associated with limb fracture or skin defect

Withdrawal

Patients will be withdrawn from the study if any of the following criteria applies:

• Life-threatening complications

• Secondary hydrocephalus

• Uncontrolled intracranial infection

• Re-operate due to varieties of causes

• Massive cerebral infarction

• Unable to follow-up