Using brain activity measurements to assess consciousness recovery in ICU patients
Measuring Brain Complexity to Detect and Predict Recovery of Consciousness in the ICU
This study is looking at a special device that uses magnetic waves to help doctors understand if critically ill patients who seem unresponsive might actually be aware and how likely they are to recover, which could change their treatment plans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146410 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) device to diagnose and predict recovery of consciousness in critically ill patients suffering from acute disorders of consciousness. By measuring brain complexity, the study aims to identify patients who may appear unresponsive but are actually conscious, which could significantly impact treatment decisions. The research will involve multiple clinical sites and aims to provide a more accurate prognosis for patients with severe brain injuries. This approach is based on recent clinical guidelines that support the use of advanced neurotechnologies in assessing consciousness.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients in the ICU who have experienced severe brain injuries and exhibit acute disorders of consciousness.
Not a fit: Patients who are not critically ill or do not have acute disorders of consciousness may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and better treatment outcomes for patients with severe brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results using advanced neurotechnologies like TMS-EEG to detect covert consciousness, indicating that this approach is supported by emerging evidence.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edlow, Brian L. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Edlow, Brian L.
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 below.