Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional

Detecting brain activity changes after traumatic brain injury

Official title: Depth Electrode Detection of Cortical Spreading Depolarization After Traumatic Brain Injury

Run by University of Minnesota · NCT05205174 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to monitor brain activity in patients with traumatic brain injury to see if it can help improve their diagnosis and treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment15 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 3, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 3, 2028
Study endsDecember 3, 2030
Registry record updatedFebruary 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT05205174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients recommended for EVD placement due to TBI and the need for intracranial pressure monitoring.

Probably not a fit

Patients with contaminated scalp lacerations, known systemic infections, or fixed, uncorrectable coagulopathy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the use of depth electrodes to record electrocorticogram (ECoG) data during the placement of an External Ventricular Drain (EVD) in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal is to develop a novel algorithm to detect Cortical Spreading Depolarization (CSD) and understand its relationship with imaging findings. By analyzing these recordings, researchers aim to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for secondary injuries associated with TBI. The approach involves minimal modification to standard surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients suffering from traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using depth electrodes for CSD detection is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain activity post-injury.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient recommended to undergo EVD placement for the monitoring and possible treatment of Intracranial pressure (ICP) after TBI

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contaminated scalp lacerations
* Known systemic infection
* Non-English speaking
* Fixed, uncorrectable coagulopathy

Where it's running

  • Hennepin County Medical Center
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: David Darrow, MD — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: David Darrow, MD
  • Email: rnl@umn.edu
  • Phone: 612-624-6666

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.