Improving consciousness in patients with hydrocephalus after brain injury

Impact of Hydrocephalus Treatment on Persistent Disorder of Consciousness Following Acute Brain Injury

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT05219331

This study is testing if putting in a special tube can help improve awareness in people with brain injuries who have hydrocephalus.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Gaillac-Toulza and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05219331 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether inserting a ventriculoperitoneal shunt can enhance consciousness in patients suffering from a persistent disorder of consciousness due to hydrocephalus following acute brain injury or hemorrhagic stroke. Participants will undergo shunt insertion and be closely monitored over three months using various clinical evaluations and advanced imaging techniques, including PET scans and electroencephalograms. The aim is to determine if addressing hydrocephalus can lead to improvements in consciousness levels in affected individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who have experienced a brain injury and are in a persistent disorder of consciousness state due to hydrocephalus requiring a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or unable to provide consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with severe consciousness disorders by potentially restoring some level of awareness.

How similar studies have performed: While few clinical cases suggest that treating hydrocephalus may improve consciousness, this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in larger studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult, post brain injury persistent disorder of consciousness, hydrocephalus requiring ventriculo-peritoneal shunt.

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy, no consent

Where this trial is running

Gaillac-Toulza and 1 other locations

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 Disorder of Consciousnessconsciousness disorderhydrocephalusventriculoperitoneal shuntautonomic nervous system
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.