Observing brain responses to music and language in unconscious patients with acute brain injuries

Electrophysiologic Biomarkers of Consciousness (EBC) Recovery After Brain Injury

Observational University of Miami · NCT04712591

This study is trying to see if listening to music and language can help unconscious patients with acute brain injuries recover better by looking at their brain activity.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Miami Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Miami, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04712591 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine whether acute brain injury patients who are clinically unconscious but show brain activation in response to auditory stimuli, such as music and language, have improved recovery outcomes. The study will utilize electroencephalogram (EEG) testing to assess brain activity in these patients. Participants will include adults aged 18 and older who are admitted to the intensive care unit with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8. The research will also involve healthy volunteers for comparative analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are unconscious due to acute brain injuries and have a Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 8.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age, pregnant women, or those who experienced cardiac arrest upon presentation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery strategies for patients with severe brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using auditory stimuli to assess brain activity in unconscious patients, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

For ABI Participants

* ABI adult (18 years and older) patients who are admitted to the intensive care unit
* Unconscious with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) \<8 on presentation and unable to follow bedside commands.
* A negative COVID-19 test on arrival

For Healthy Volunteers:

* 18 years and older

Exclusion Criteria:

For All Participants:

* \<18 years of age
* Pregnant woman
* Patients with cardiac arrest on presentation

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida 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 Traumatic Brain InjuryIntracerebral HaemorrhageSubarachnoid Haemorrhagic StrokeConsciousnessComaRecoveryElectroencephalogram
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.