Identifying factors that predict recovery of consciousness in brain injury patients

Investigation of Prognostic Factors to Regain Consciousness in Neurological Early Rehabilitation

BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf · NCT04445649

This study is trying to find out what factors help predict how well patients with brain injuries will recover their awareness after they start early rehabilitation.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorBDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf (other)
Locations1 site (Hessisch Oldendorf)
Trial IDNCT04445649 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify prognostic factors that influence the medium and long-term outcomes of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) undergoing early neurological rehabilitation. A total of 130 patients will be included over 36 months, with assessments of disease severity, functional status, and various neurological measurements such as MRI and EEG conducted within the first week of admission. The primary outcome will be measured using the Coma-Recovery-Scale-Revised, with follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months to evaluate recovery using the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Revised. The study seeks to enhance understanding of recovery patterns in patients with DOC following severe brain injuries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients with disorders of consciousness due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who are at least two weeks post-onset and have been admitted to an intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients with insufficient cardiorespiratory stability, severe brain injuries affecting auditory responses, or those with mental disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the factors that enhance recovery of consciousness, leading to improved treatment strategies for patients with severe brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been numerous studies on prognostic factors in similar conditions, this specific approach focusing on early rehabilitation outcomes in DOC patients is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* early neurological rehabilitation (phase B)
* stroke, traumatic brain injury, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
* disorder of consciousness (coma, UWS, MCS)
* at minimum two weeks after disease onset
* admission to intensive care unit
* written consent from the patient's legal representative
* exclusion of pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

* insufficient cardiorespiratory stability
* fractures or severe infratentorial brain injuries leading to impaired auditory evoked - potentials
* previous brain damage
* mental disorders (dementia, depression)
* colonization with multi-resistant pathogens
* MRI contraindications
* claustrophobia
* weight \> 120 kg

Where this trial is running

Hessisch Oldendorf

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Neurologic Disorder, Disorder of Consciousness, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, Neurological rehabilitation, Prognosis, Outcome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.