A portable device to detect hidden consciousness in brain-injured patients
Official title: Portable TMS-EEG device for bedside detection of covert consciousness
Funded at Intrinsic Powers, INC. · NIH-11068934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new portable device called Presence that helps doctors quickly check the consciousness levels of patients with severe brain injuries, making it easier for families to understand their loved ones' conditions and make important care decisions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Intrinsic Powers, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mcfarland, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,243 |
| NIH project number | 1R41NS137850-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with severe brain injuries who are currently in a state of altered consciousness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are fully conscious or have irreversible brain damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a portable device that combines transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to assess consciousness levels in patients with severe brain injuries. The device, named Presence, aims to provide real-time analysis using a simplified setup with fewer electrodes, making it suitable for use in intensive care units (ICUs). By improving the accuracy and speed of consciousness detection, this research seeks to aid families and caregivers in making informed decisions regarding life-sustaining therapies for their loved ones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability to assess consciousness in brain-injured patients, leading to better decision-making regarding their care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using TMS and EEG for consciousness detection, but this specific portable approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
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Intrinsic Powers, INC.
Mcfarland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boly, Melanie — Intrinsic Powers, INC.
- Study coordinator: Boly, Melanie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.