Understanding micro-expressions in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness
Study of Micro-expressions in Patients With Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness
This study is trying to see if watching emotional videos can help understand the tiny facial expressions of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness and improve how doctors assess their awareness.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Trial ID | NCT06088628 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate micro-expressions in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness by exposing them to various emotional stimuli. It seeks to classify their levels of consciousness more accurately and assist in clinical diagnosis by complementing existing scales like the CRS-R scale. The study will involve approximately 200 participants, including both patients and healthy controls, and will utilize assessments of responsiveness, EEG, and MRI data to explore residual brain function. Follow-up evaluations will be conducted over a period of six months to monitor changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 with prolonged disorders of consciousness lasting more than 28 days following severe brain injury.
Not a fit: Patients with locked-in syndrome or those with contraindications for EEG or MRI examinations may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding and diagnosis of consciousness disorders, leading to better patient management.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of studying micro-expressions in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding consciousness and brain function.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with consciousness disorders for more than 28 days following severe brain injury, assessed by the CRS-R scale to meet the criteria for VS or MCS; 2. Aged between 18 and 80 years; 3. Stable vital signs; 4. Voluntary participation of family members with signed informed consent; 5. Good cooperation, minimal facial and spontaneous activities, no use of antiepileptic or sedative drugs. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Locked-in syndrome; 2. Contraindications for EEG examination; 3. Contraindications for MRI scanning, such as the presence of internal metallic implants; 4. Diseases and factors that may affect brain function assessment, such as metabolic disorders, poisoning, shock, etc.
Where this trial is running
Hangzhou, Zhejiang
- First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University — Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benyan Luo, Doctor — Zhejiang University
- Study coordinator: Fangping He, Master
- Email: hefangping@zju.edu.cn
- Phone: 86-13819114225
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.