Using brain stimulation to reduce delirium after hip surgery in older patients

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Participants aged 65 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or a sham procedure, with sessions occurring before and after surgery. The study will monitor brain activity and assess the incidence of POD using a standardized diagnostic interview. The goal is to determine if tDCS can significantly reduce the occurrence of delirium in this vulnerable population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

(1) aged ≥ 65 years; (2) scheduled for elective hip fracture, including femoral head fractures, femoral neck fractures, intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures, femoral head replacement, total hip arthroplasty, or open or closed reduction; (3) platelet count \> 80 × 10⁹/L; (4) ASA classification ≤ Grade III; (5) Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores ≥ 18 points (13); (6) willingness to participate and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

(1) severe mental disorders,(e.g,depression or schizophrenia requiring medication treatment); (2) cranial or scalp injuries; (3) history of symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, transient ischemic attack; (4) compound injuries, multiple fractures, periprosthetic fractures, and hip joint revisions; (5) drug or alcohol abuse; (6) severe visual or hearing impairments; (7) history of epilepsy or intracranial metal implants; (8) severe cardiovascular disease history and liver dysfunction, or kidney dysfunction; (9) coagulation abnormalities; (10) severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (11) participation in other clinical studies within the past 3 months.

Where it's running

• Shanxi Bethune Hospital
  Taiyuan, Shanxi, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hua Zheng — Huazhong University of Science and Technology
• Study coordinator: lichao xue
• Email: 13835187186@163.com
• Phone: +8613835187186

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Dexmedetomidine to See if Delirium Drops After Hip Fracture Surgery

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• VR-based cognitive games to help prevent delirium after big surgery

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.