Investigating how sedation affects recovery after cardiac arrest

Role of Sedation in the Post-Cardiac Arrest Neurological Recovery

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11035211

This study is looking at how sedation affects brain recovery in people who have had a cardiac arrest, to see if being sedated helps their brain function better after they start to wake up.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11035211 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of sedation on neurological recovery in patients who have experienced cardiac arrest. It aims to understand how sedation may influence brain function and recovery after patients regain spontaneous circulation. The study will utilize quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor brain activity and assess the effects of different sedation levels on cerebral blood flow and metabolism. By comparing outcomes in sedated versus non-sedated patients, the research seeks to clarify the role of sedation in improving recovery.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced a cardiac arrest and are undergoing treatment in an intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced cardiac arrest or those who are not in a comatose state post-cardiac arrest may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery strategies for patients who survive cardiac arrest, potentially enhancing their neurological outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored sedation effects in other contexts, this specific investigation into sedation's role in post-cardiac arrest recovery is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.