Exploring brain networks to improve awareness in patients with disorders of consciousness
Official title: Mapping neural targets and advancing neuromodulation techniques for disorders of consciousness
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11075533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a gentle brain stimulation technique might help people who can’t fully communicate due to disorders of consciousness, by looking at how their brains respond to sounds and using eye tracking to understand their experiences better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS139540-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with disorders of consciousness, such as those in a coma or vegetative state, who may have some level of auditory perception.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully intact consciousness or those who do not have any auditory processing capabilities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-invasive neurostimulation can help restore conscious perception in individuals with disorders of consciousness. By using advanced imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to map brain networks involved in auditory perception without requiring patients to explicitly report their experiences. The research also employs machine learning models to analyze eye tracking data, which may provide insights into how patients perceive sounds even when they cannot communicate. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of consciousness and improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new methods for identifying and potentially restoring awareness in patients who are unable to communicate.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using neurostimulation and brain mapping techniques to enhance understanding of consciousness, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aerts, Shanae — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Aerts, Shanae
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Recovery patterns in acute disorders of consciousness from brain injury
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-
How the brain causes losing and regaining consciousness
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-
Focusing ultrasound to the central thalamus to help people with disorders of consciousness
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Recovery after coma from serious brain injury or illness
This observational study will follow adults who are unconscious due to a serious brain illness or injury to see what medical, neurological, psychological, and social factors are linked with recovery over time.
-
Theta-burst temporal interference stimulation to improve awareness in people with disorders of consciousness
This study will test whether theta-burst patterned temporal interference stimulation (tTIs) can help adults with recent disorders of consciousness (vegetative or minimally conscious) show more signs of awareness.
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.