Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation Prevents Delirium in Patients With Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The patients in the intervention group were treated with real tACS produced by Nexalin company. There were 3 treatment sites. According to the international 10-20 EEG system positioning method, one electrode was placed in the prefrontal lobe (Fp1, Fpz, Fp2 area, electrode size was 4.45cm×9.53cm), and the other two electrodes were placed in the left and right mastoid respectively (electrode size was 3.18cm×3.81cm). The treatment parameters were 40min twice daily with an interval of ≥4 hours for a total of 8 sessions over 4 days. tACS procedures were performed by trained and qualified full-time therapeutic nurses.

The patients in the control group were treated with sham tACS produced by Nexalin company. The fake tACS does not emit current, so it does not stimulate the cerebral cortex. The appearance, button, electrode, and quality of the fake tACS are exactly the same as those of the real tACS in patients' senses. There were 3 treatment sites. According to the international 10-20 EEG system positioning method, one electrode was placed in the prefrontal lobe (Fp1, Fpz, Fp2 area, electrode size was 4.45cm×9.53cm), and the other two electrodes were placed in the left and right mastoid respectively (electrode size was 3.18cm×3.81cm). The treatment parameters were 40min twice daily with an interval of ≥4 hours for a total of 8 sessions over 4 days. tACS procedures were performed by trained and qualified full-time therapeutic nurses.