Using ketamine to treat severe traumatic brain injury

Neurophysiological Effect of Ketamine in Patients With Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

EARLY_PHASE1 · University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT06062628

This study is testing if ketamine can help improve treatment for people with severe traumatic brain injuries by managing their pain and brain pressure better.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
Locations2 sites (Dallas, Texas and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06062628 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of ketamine hydrochloride in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) who require monitoring of intracranial pressure and brain tissue oxygenation. The study aims to optimize both intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure while ensuring adequate analgesia and sedation. By utilizing ketamine, which has sedative and analgesic properties without significantly affecting respiratory drive, the trial seeks to improve management strategies for sTBI patients. The approach is based on the need for tiered therapy to address multiple critical parameters in the care of these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with severe traumatic brain injury requiring intracranial monitoring.

Not a fit: Patients with documented allergies to ketamine or those with specific cardiovascular or neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could enhance recovery outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of ketamine in this context is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in optimizing management strategies for traumatic brain injury.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Severe traumatic brain injury
* Placement of intracranial monitor for measurement of intracranial pressure and brain tissue oxygenation
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Documented allergy to ketamine
* Sinus tachycardia with sustained heart rate \>120
* Any episode of non-sinus tachycardia
* Documented history of schizophrenia
* Systolic blood pressure \> 180, diastolic blood pressure \> 120
* Documented episode(s) of ICP elevations \>25 mm Hg sustained greater than 5 minutes within 24 hours
* Similar episodes as above of PbtO2 \<15 mmHg
* Positive pregnancy test and/or is currently breast-feeding

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Traumatic Brain Injury, Traumatic Encephalopathy, ketamine, traumatic brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.