Using real-time brain monitoring to improve treatment for severe traumatic brain injury

Improving Neurotrauma by Depolarization Inhibition With Combination Therapy (INDICT): a Phase 2 Randomized, Feasibility Trial

Phase 2 Interventional University of Cincinnati · NCT05337618

This study is testing if real-time brain monitoring can help doctors provide better care for patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injuries by identifying specific brain issues that need targeted treatment.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT05337618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 trial aims to assess the feasibility of using real-time electrocorticographic monitoring to identify spreading depolarizations (SD) in patients who have undergone surgery for severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). By monitoring SD, which is linked to worse neurological outcomes, the study seeks to implement a tier-based protocol of intensive care therapies specifically targeting patients who may benefit from SD suppression. The goal is to improve patient outcomes by tailoring intensive care management based on individual pathophysiological mechanisms. This innovative approach could lead to more effective treatment strategies for TBI patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients requiring emergency craniotomy for acute traumatic brain injury within 72 hours of trauma.

Not a fit: Patients with non-survivable injuries or those undergoing decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial pressure will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients with severe traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of monitoring spreading depolarizations is well-researched in animal models, this specific application in human TBI management is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

(1) clinical indication for emergency craniotomy with dural opening to treat acute TBI within 72 hr post-trauma

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, and

(4) pregnancy

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
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.