Using EEG to predict postoperative delirium in neurosurgery patients

Frontal-temporal EEG During Anesthesia Recovery Predicts Postoperative Delirium in Neurosurgery: a Single-center, Prospective, Observational Study

Observational Beijing Sanbo Brain Hospital · NCT06894238

This study is testing if monitoring brain activity with EEG can help doctors predict if adults will experience confusion after having brain surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment137 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Sanbo Brain Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Beijing, Beijing Municipality and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06894238 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to determine if sub-hairline electroencephalography (EEG) can reliably predict postoperative delirium (POD) in adult patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Patients will have their EEG monitored during the immediate recovery phase in the ICU, focusing on specific brain regions and frequency bands. The study seeks to identify EEG parameters that correlate with the onset of POD, which is a common complication following major neurosurgery. By understanding these predictive markers, the study hopes to improve early identification and management of at-risk patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures with ASA physical status I-II.

Not a fit: Patients with known neurological or psychiatric disorders, preoperative cognitive impairment, or those unable to undergo EEG monitoring due to specific conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of postoperative delirium, enhancing patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: While EEG has been used in various settings, the specific application of sub-hairline EEG for predicting postoperative delirium in neurosurgical patients is largely novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years
* Planned elective neurosurgical surgery
* ASA physical status I-II
* Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known neurological or psychiatric disorders (e.g., epilepsy, Parkinson's disease)
* Preoperative cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 24)
* Long-term use of central nervous system drugs (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics)
* Language barriers
* History of craniotomy within the last 12 months
* Inability to place frontal-temporal electrodes due to conditions such as frontal skin injury, severe agitation, or a coronal incision for surgery
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality 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 NeurosurgeryDelirium - PostoperativeBrain Tumor AdultPostoperative deliriumelectroencephalographyneurosurgical patientsSub-hairline EEGConfusion Assessment Method for ICU
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.