Exploring brain activity changes from median nerve stimulation during anesthesia
Official title: Study of Modulations of Motor Brain Activity Following Stimulation of the Median Nerve During General Anesthesia
Run by Brugmann University Hospital · NCT05272202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using median nerve stimulation can help doctors detect if high-risk patients are aware during surgery while they're under anesthesia, to improve safety and monitoring.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 81 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Brugmann University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brussels) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 16, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05272202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18 to 81 scheduled for surgery requiring intravenous anesthesia with propofol.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with allergies to propofol or those with certain medical histories that interfere with nerve stimulation or EEG signal acquisition 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 investigation focuses on accidental awareness during general anesthesia, which affects 1-2% of high-risk patients and can lead to severe psychological trauma. The study aims to utilize median nerve stimulation to create a brain-computer interface (BCI) that detects movement intention through EEG measurements. By analyzing brain activity patterns, the researchers hope to alert anesthetists to a patient's awareness during surgery. This innovative approach could enhance patient safety and improve monitoring techniques in anesthesia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of psychological trauma associated with accidental awareness during anesthesia.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using median nerve stimulation and BCI for monitoring during anesthesia is innovative, similar studies have not been widely reported, indicating this may be a novel exploration.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients \>18 years and \<81 years * Right-handed * Programmed for surgery with the use of an intravenous anesthesia with a propofol concentration objective Exclusion Criteria: * Allergy to propofol, soy or peanuts * BMI\<20 or \>30 * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Adult unable to give consent * Medical or surgical history that may interfere with median nerve stimulation or the obtention of the EEG signal (for example: diabetes, polyneuropathy, central neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, brain surgery) * History of right median nerve injury * Amputation of the upper right limb * Impossibility of affixing an EEG helmet * Addiction
Where it's running
-
CHU Brugmann
Brussels, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Denis Schmartz, MD — CHU Brugmann
- Study coordinator: Denis Schmartz, MD
- Email: Denis.SCHMARTZ@chu-brugmann.be
- Phone: 3224773734
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.