Using brain stimulation to reduce delirium in ICU patients
Official title: Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Patients with Delirium and Critical Illness: a Randomized, Controlled, Double Blind, Proof-of-concept Pilot Study
Run by Kuopio University Hospital · NCT06460363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help ICU patients recover from delirium faster.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Kuopio University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuopio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 6, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | October 4, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06460363 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are ICU patients experiencing delirium for more than 24 hours.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18 years of age, pregnant women, or those with a history of seizures or severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
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 aims to determine if transcranial alternating current stimulation (TACS) can effectively shorten the duration of delirium in patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Participants will receive either the experimental TACS treatment or a sham treatment over a maximum of two days, depending on their delirium status. The primary outcome measured will be the number of days patients are alive and free of delirium. The study is based on the premise that TACS can modulate brain activity and improve cognitive functions, potentially addressing the underlying pathophysiology of delirium.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the duration of delirium in ICU patients, leading to better recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While TACS has shown promise in improving cognitive functions in other conditions, this specific application for delirium in ICU patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Delirium in intensive care and duration of delirium for more than 24 hours. Delirium is defined as 4 or more points on ICDSC and -1 or more points on RASS. Exclusion Criteria: * Under 18 years of age, pregnancy, delirium tremens, epilepsy or history of seizures any time before first trial intervention, active psychotic disease, infection of central nervous system, acute intoxication, traumatic brain injury, stroke, intracranial bleeding and implanted electronic devices.
Where it's running
-
Kuopio University Hospital
Kuopio, Finland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stepani Bendel — Kuopio University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ville Ihalainen
- Email: ville.ihalainen@pshyvinvointialue.fi
- Phone: +358 447176388
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.