Using brain stimulation to improve cognitive recovery in traumatic brain injury

Early Neuromodulation for Cognitive Recovery and Rehabilitation in Traumatic Brain Injury

Not applicable Interventional University of Cincinnati · NCT06871124

This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve thinking skills in people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06871124 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to explore how brain activity changes during cognitive recovery in patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). It will assess the effects of anodal transcranial electrical stimulation (A-tES) on cognitive performance and brain activity during the acute phase of TBI. A total of 60 participants will be recruited, with half receiving A-tES while performing cognitive tasks and the other half receiving sham stimulation. Participants will be monitored for six months to evaluate changes in cognitive function and brain activity over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with moderate to severe TBI as defined by specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with non-survivable injuries, polytrauma, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved cognitive recovery and rehabilitation strategies for TBI patients.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored brain stimulation for cognitive recovery, this approach focusing on the acute phase of TBI is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Moderate to severe TBI: Glasgow Coma Scale (GSC) in the 3-12 range and greater than 30 min of loss of consciousness and/or a post-traumatic amnesia that lasts more than 24 hours and/or an alteration of mental state over 24 hours,
2. age 18-80 years,
3. Isolated TBI,
4. Intelligible speech and Galveston Orientation and Amnesia Test (GOAT) score \>70 at time of enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Persistent bilateral non-reactive pupils or other evidence of non-survivable injury,
2. Decompressive craniectomy to treat refractory ICP subsequent to diffuse injury, (3) Co-enrollment in another therapeutic TBI trial,

(4) Pregnancy, (5) Patients with polytrauma (6) Patients with clinical seizures or status epilepticus.

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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 Injury Patientstranscranial electrical stimulationcognitive controlworking memoryEEG
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.