Exploring brain activity changes from median nerve stimulation during anesthesia

Study of Modulations of Motor Brain Activity Following Stimulation of the Median Nerve During General Anesthesia

Early Phase 1 Interventional Brugmann University Hospital · NCT05272202

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

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 81 Years
SexMale
SponsorBrugmann University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT05272202 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults aged 18 to 81 scheduled for surgery requiring intravenous anesthesia with propofol.

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.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Brussels

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Accidental Awareness During General Anesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.