TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

This study tests a structured problem-solving approach called CO-OP (Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance) for adults who have had a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Participants learn a 'Goal-Plan-Do-Check' strategy to tackle everyday tasks like dressing or c…

This study is testing whether stem cells taken from a person's own bone marrow and then given back through the veins and nose can improve brain and nerve function. It includes 500 people with various conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and nerve damage. The goal is …

This phase II trial tests whether keeping fluid balance neutral (close to zero) is safe and feasible for adults with traumatic brain injury in the ICU. 88 participants will be randomly assigned to either a neutral fluid strategy or standard care for 5 days. The goal is to see if …

This study tests hyperbaric oxygen therapy—breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber—for people with severe traumatic brain injury. Researchers will compare different oxygen pressures to see which works best. The goal is to improve long-term recovery and reduce brain swellin…

This study tests whether combining cognitive training with brain stimulation (rTMS or tDCS) can improve thinking skills in veterans who have persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury. Participants will receive 16 sessions of training with either real or sham stimulati…

This expanded access study offers stem cell therapy (HB-adMSCs) to up to 8 people with traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury who were not eligible for a related trial. Participants receive 6 intravenous infusions over 16 weeks. The goal is to evaluate safety and whether the tre…

This early study tests a device called Mechanical Tissue Resuscitation (MTR) that is designed to drain excess fluid from the brain area after a person has had part of their skull removed or repaired. The trial will include 11 people who need a drain as part of their standard care…

This study tests whether a smart glove can help people with brain disorders (like stroke or brain injury) improve arm and hand function from home. Forty adults with lasting arm weakness will either use the smart glove for guided exercises or do standard home therapy. The goal is …

This study compares two common seizure medications, levetiracetam and lacosamide, to see which works better at preventing early seizures after a traumatic brain injury. Researchers will also track side effects like agitation and sedation. The trial plans to enroll 600 adults with…

This study tests whether baricitinib, a drug used for arthritis, can help people recover from moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries that involve bleeding in the brain. About 100 adults will receive the drug or a placebo within 24 hours of injury. The main goal is to see if …

This study tests whether freezing specific nerves (cryoneurolysis) can reduce shoulder pain and improve movement in people with spasticity from conditions like stroke or brain injury. Fifty adults will either receive one session of nerve freezing or one session of Botox injection…

This Phase 3 trial tests whether a single injection of tranexamic acid, given within 3 hours of a mild head injury, can reduce brain bleeding, disability, and death in adults aged 50 and older. The study aims to enroll 5,000 participants and compares the drug to a placebo. If suc…

This study tests a new device called SSMD to help people with arm weakness after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. About 150 adults will use the device in supervised sessions over 5-6 weeks. The goal is to see if it improves arm movement better than standard electrical stimulat…

This study tests whether a special egg yolk powder called Salovum can help people with severe traumatic brain injury. Half of the 20 participants get Salovum, the other half get a placebo. Researchers will measure brain pressure, oxygen levels, and inflammation to see if the trea…

This study tests whether giving tranexamic acid early after a traumatic brain injury can reduce harmful inflammation. Researchers will enroll 60 adults with mild or moderate head injuries. The goal is to see if this drug can help control the body's inflammatory response and impro…

This Phase 2 trial tests whether sildenafil citrate (the drug in Viagra) can improve blood vessel function in the brain of people who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least 6 months ago. Researchers will give different doses (20, 40, or 80 mg) or a placebo to 160 adults aged…

This study looks at a special type of stitch (STRATAFIX) already approved by the FDA for closing wounds after brain or spine surgery. Researchers want to see if it helps wounds heal better and with fewer problems. About 160 adults having brain or spine surgery will take part. The…

This study tests a brain implant that records brain signals to help people with locked-in syndrome control a computer. Two participants will have 128 electrodes placed on their brain surface. Researchers will train them to use the system at home for one year, aiming for accurate …

This study tests whether a single IV infusion of stem cells taken from a patient's own belly fat can safely improve brain structure and thinking skills after a traumatic brain injury. The trial enrolls 51 adults aged 18-55 who have had a brain injury for at least 6 months but no …

This study aims to create a blood test that helps doctors quickly diagnose traumatic brain injury (TBI) and predict how patients will recover. Researchers will collect blood samples from 2,000 adults with suspected TBI in emergency rooms and hospitals. The goal is to find specifi…

This study is testing whether a new digital test battery, Mindmore Distance, can accurately assess thinking and memory skills in people with neurological conditions like stroke, Parkinson's, or multiple sclerosis. Researchers will compare results from home-based computer tests wi…

This study is testing a new device called Crainio that uses infrared light to measure pressure inside the skull without needing to insert a probe into the brain. Researchers will enroll 54 adults with traumatic brain injury who already require standard invasive monitoring. The go…

This study aims to create an objective way to diagnose and monitor light sensitivity by measuring facial features, pupil reactions, and nerve responses to light. Researchers will compare 120 people with and without light sensitivity (due to traumatic brain injury or migraine) to …

This study tests a device called SENSE that uses low-power electromagnetic pulses to check for bleeding or swelling in the brain after a traumatic injury. Researchers will compare the device's results to standard CT scans in 150 adults, including those with and without brain inju…

This study tests whether watching moving patterns (like a spinning disk or VR display) can help doctors objectively diagnose visually induced dizziness. Researchers will measure balance and symptoms in 240 people, including those with concussion-related dizziness, non-concussion …

This study tests whether giving a single dose of a common antibiotic soon after a breathing tube is placed can prevent lung infections and improve survival in ICU patients with severe brain injuries. Researchers will enroll 3,300 adults on ventilators due to stroke, trauma, or la…

This study tests whether giving probiotics (LactoLevure) to ICU patients on ventilators can prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia. The trial will enroll 186 adults with head injury, stroke, or brain hemorrhage. Patients receive probiotic or placebo capsules twice daily for 30 d…

This study tests whether sitting in front of a bright lightbox for 60 minutes each morning can improve sleep and overall well-being in veterans who have traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain together—known as the polytrauma clinical triad. The t…

This study tests two behavioral treatments—cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness—to help people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) sleep better and feel less stressed. 360 veterans and service members with mild to moderate TBI, insomnia, and PTSD symptoms will receive…

This study tests whether a week of accelerated brain stimulation (25 sessions over 5 days) can quickly reduce PTSD symptoms. It involves 132 adults with PTSD, including those with traumatic brain injury. The goal is to see if this fast-paced treatment works better than a placebo …

This study tests whether community health workers can help caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) during the move from rehab to home. About 126 adult caregivers will get either standard support or extra help from a health worker starting before discharge. The goal…

This study tests whether a semi-elemental liquid diet (a pre-digested formula) reduces stomach and bowel issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. About 100 adults will receive either the special formula or standard liquid nutrit…

This study tests whether a smart board device can help people with arm weakness from brain disorders (like stroke or brain injury) do rehab at home. Forty adults will either use the smart board or a workbook for 4 weeks. The goal is to see if the smart board improves arm function…

This study tests a portable virtual reality system that guides eye exercises to help veterans with mild traumatic brain injury improve their eye coordination. About 80 veterans will be split into two groups: one receiving active therapy and the other a sham version. The goal is t…

This study tests whether a brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTi) — guided by a nurse or through a mobile app — can improve sleep, mood, and thinking in people recovering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). About 93 participants with chronic TBI and insomnia will be assign…

This study looks at whether using special prismatic lenses along with computer brain games can help improve thinking and behavior in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. About 50 adults will take part, with half getting the lenses plus games and the other half getting ga…

This study tests a nerve block procedure called bilateral cervical sympathetic block (BCSB) in 75 Special Operations Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury. The procedure uses a numbing medicine to calm overactive nerves. Some participants also receive talk therap…

This early study tests whether a device that sends electrical pulses to muscles and the spinal cord can improve arm, hand, or leg movement in people with paralysis from spinal cord injury, stroke, or other nerve damage. Up to 64 participants will attend sessions five times a week…

This study tests a new type of talk therapy for veterans and service members who have both PTSD and a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury. The therapy focuses on relaxation, stress management, and problem solving instead of asking patients to relive their trauma. The goal is …

This study tests whether cannabidiol (CBD), a compound from cannabis, can reduce PTSD symptoms and improve thinking problems in people with PTSD, including those who also have a mild traumatic brain injury. 120 participants will receive either a low or high dose of CBD or a place…

This study tests if a gentle electrical pulse to the wrist nerve can safely help thinking and memory in people with recent traumatic brain injury. About 30 adults aged 18-64 with moderate injury will receive either real or sham stimulation. The goal is to see if this simple, non-…

This study tests a guided online version of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in 80 people who have had a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury at least a year ago and currently have insomnia. Participants will either receive the online therapy (6 modules over 6-9 wee…

This study looks at whether a robotic walking trainer, called Trexo, can help people with walking problems from conditions like cerebral palsy or brain injury. About 120 participants will use the robot in a hospital setting to see if it's practical and helps them reach their pers…

This study tests a noninvasive treatment called REAC that uses gentle electrical signals to help rebalance brain activity after a severe traumatic brain injury. Researchers will compare real REAC sessions to a sham (fake) version in 60 patients to see if it improves brain wave pa…

This study tests an 8-week online program called MENTOR that teaches mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition to people who had a traumatic brain injury at least a year ago. Researchers want to see if it improves emotional health, physical activity, and overall well-being. The trial …

This study tests whether shining a special light on the forehead (transcranial photobiomodulation) can improve blood flow and thinking in older adults who had a traumatic brain injury 1-2 years ago. Seventy people aged 55-85 will receive either real or sham light therapy for abou…

This study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) combined with computer-based brain games can improve attention, memory, and decision-making in veterans aged 65 and older who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. Participants will do exercises from home …

This study looks at whether adjusting deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve movement, speech, and swallowing in people already implanted with DBS for conditions like tremor, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Researchers will test hand dexterity, grip strength, facial movement…

This study looks at whether Xeomin injections can reduce migraine pain and frequency in people who have had a traumatic brain injury or an unexplained health incident. About 60 adults will receive the injections and report their headache changes over 12 weeks. The goal is to see …

This study explores whether hypnosis can help people with stroke, traumatic brain injury, or multiple sclerosis improve their attention and reduce fatigue. About 48 participants will receive hypnosis sessions alongside standard care, while researchers monitor brain activity with …

This study tests whether breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber (hyperbaric oxygen therapy) can reduce long-term symptoms like headaches, memory problems, and mood changes in veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury. 420 veterans will receive either real HBOT…

This study tests whether taking branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) twice a day for three weeks can improve sleep in people with traumatic brain injury. Researchers will also check if the supplement is easy to take and if participants stick with it. The study involves 300 veterans…

This study tests whether a technique called high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) can improve word-finding difficulties in people who had a traumatic brain injury at least a year ago. The device delivers a very low electrical current through electrodes…

This study tests whether a low-level electric current applied to the scalp (tDCS) can improve verbal retrieval in military veterans who have had a mild or moderate traumatic brain injury. 136 participants will receive either real or sham stimulation while doing memory tasks. The …

This study is testing whether listening to favorite music for 30 minutes a day can improve consciousness in people with severe brain injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or disorders of consciousness. Sixty-six patients in early neurological rehabilitation will be randomly as…

This study looks at whether combining a memory-training program with aerobic exercise can help people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) improve their learning and memory. Sixty adults with TBI will be randomly assigned to either memory training plus aerobic exe…

This study tests whether Botox injections in the forehead can reduce light sensitivity in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. Fifty adults with chronic light sensitivity will receive a single treatment. Researchers will measure changes in pain and visual function over t…

This study looks at whether two different training programs can improve emotional health in people who have had a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. About 48 adults will take part in 8 one-on-one sessions over a month, learning either to recognize emotions or adopt health…

This study looks at whether certain proteins in the blood can help doctors monitor severe traumatic brain injury and predict who might benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Researchers will analyze blood samples from 150 patients already enrolled in a larger trial testing diffe…

This study compares brain health in 300 former professional football players (ages 29-59) to a similar group of men who did not play football. Participants will undergo cognitive tests, balance and eye-movement exams, sleep assessments, and high-resolution MRI scans. The goal is …

This study tests whether a home-based computer training program can improve vision in people who have lost part of their visual field due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, or brain tumor. Researchers will use brain scans to understand how the brain changes with training. The stu…

After brain surgery, many patients need a breathing machine in the ICU. This study will follow 220 such patients to see how the natural bacteria in their lungs change over time. Researchers will collect airway samples and use advanced lab tests to link those changes to the risk o…

This study looks at how sleep problems—like trouble falling asleep or waking up often—affect people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Researchers will track sleep with a movement monitor and ask participants about their daily life and mental health. The goal is to unde…

This study is testing a new, non-invasive brain monitor (Neurosteer) in 100 ICU patients who are on breathing machines and sedatives. The monitor is a small device placed on the forehead that measures brain activity. Researchers want to see if it can accurately track levels of se…

This study explores whether a non-invasive brain-computer interface (BCI) can help people with motor disorders, such as spinal cord injury or stroke, control assistive devices using their thoughts. Researchers will record brain signals with EEG and use machine learning to interpr…

This study looks at whether a computer program called BrainHQ can help adults with traumatic brain injury improve their memory and attention. About 150 people with mild to severe brain injuries will either use BrainHQ or play regular brain games. Researchers will test their think…

This study looks at how a moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) from early or middle adulthood might speed up physical and mental decline in older age. Researchers will test balance and thinking in 70 Veterans aged 50-75 who had a TBI at least 15 years ago, even if they feel fine…

This study tests whether a clinical decision support (CDS) system can help doctors follow best-practice guidelines for preventing venous thromboembolism (blood clots) in adults with traumatic brain injury. Researchers will compare hospitals that use the CDS system with those that…

This study looks at how a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can lead to heart problems like irregular heartbeat or heart failure. Researchers will use MRI scans to see if damage to certain brain areas disrupts the network that controls the heart. By studying 90 people with mild to mod…

This study will track how often and how intensely patients with moderate to severe brain injury are moved or exercised while in intensive care units in Scandinavia. Researchers want to see if more movement is linked to better outcomes and safety. About 198 adults on breathing mac…

This study is developing a checklist to help doctors decide when it's safe to skip a CT scan for head injuries in patients taking blood thinners. Researchers will study 4,000 emergency department patients to find out which symptoms or signs reliably rule out serious brain bleedin…

This study follows 110 people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) for up to 3 years to see how their brains change compared to healthy individuals. Participants will give blood samples, have MRI scans, and take thinking and memory tests. The goal is to measure ho…

This study looks at adults with serious brain injuries from stroke, trauma, or bleeding who need a breathing machine. Researchers want to see if certain machine settings are linked to how severe the brain injury is. About 19 people will take part, and no new treatments are being …

This study looks at whether a noninvasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve can improve the ability to understand speech in noisy environments for people who have had a traumatic brain injury. Researchers will compare brain responses and speech test scores with and without t…

This study tests a new method to personalize TMS (a non-invasive brain stimulation) dosing for people with PTSD, with or without mild traumatic brain injury. Researchers will use brain imaging (fNIRS) to measure brain activity directly, aiming to replace the current indirect meth…

This study examines the role of the plantaris, a small calf muscle, in children having surgery for tight ankles (equinus). Researchers will randomly change the order of tendon cuts during surgery to measure how much each contributes to ankle movement. The goal is to understand if…

This study tests whether gentle muscle vibrations can help the brain form new connections after a stroke or traumatic brain injury. Researchers will measure brain and spinal cord activity in 56 participants before, during, and after a 5-week vibration treatment. The goal is to un…

This study explores whether breathing slightly higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) can safely increase the movement of proteins from the brain into the blood, which may indicate better waste clearance. Researchers will compare healthy adults and those with a history of traumati…

This study is testing a new device that aims to measure pressure inside the skull from the outside, avoiding the need for surgery. Currently, doctors must drill a hole in the skull to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with conditions like traumatic brain injury or s…

This study watches 148 adults with acute brain injury who have a drain in their head. Researchers will check fluid from the brain to see if changes in a substance called lactate can signal an infection early. The goal is to learn more, not to test a new treatment.

This study uses non-invasive eye scans (OCT and OCTA) to look for changes in the retina that might be linked to brain diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Researchers aim to find early markers that could help diagnose or track these conditions. The stud…

This research study collects health information from 10,000 people with brain inflammation conditions like Long COVID, ME/CFS, and autoimmune diseases. Participants use a smartphone app to share symptoms, health history, and wearable data. The goal is to find disease subtypes and…

This early-phase study is testing whether a single dose of ketamine is safe for people with severe traumatic brain injury. Researchers will measure changes in brain pressure and oxygen levels in 10 critically ill adults. The goal is to see if ketamine, which has sedative and pain…

This study looks at whether monitoring specific brain wave patterns (called spreading depolarizations) in real time can help doctors choose treatments to reduce these events after severe traumatic brain injury. About 72 people who need emergency brain surgery will be randomly ass…

This study is testing a new questionnaire called the Pressure Relief Frequency Scale (PReFS) to see if it can reliably help wheelchair users with neurologic disorders (like spinal cord injury, stroke, or traumatic brain injury) decide how often they need to relieve pressure to pr…

This study looks at small molecules in the blood (metabolites) of people with severe traumatic brain injury compared to those with other injuries. Researchers aim to find differences that could help determine how serious a brain injury is and predict recovery. The study involves …

This study checks if a pressure-sensitive insole (Ceriter Stride One) can accurately measure walking patterns in people with stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury. About 30 participants will wear the insole while walking on a high-tech treadmill (GRAIL) to compare results. …

This study looks at how people with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) walk and navigate in complex, real-life-like virtual environments, such as streets with other people. Researchers want to understand the specific difficulties these individuals face during everyda…

This study looks at how deep brain stimulation (DBS) changes movement in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease or essential tremor. About 60 people scheduled for DBS surgery will have extra temporary electrodes placed on the brain to measure muscle activity during stimu…

This study tests a computer tool that predicts when the brain is about to swell or run low on oxygen in people with severe traumatic brain injury. About 120 adults in the ICU will be monitored, and the tool's predictions will be checked for accuracy. The goal is to give doctors a…

This study is testing whether a mobile health app system can help people with chronic conditions like spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or traumatic brain injury improve their self-management skills and wellness. About 160 participants will use the app for one yea…

This study looks at how past traumatic brain injuries (TBI) may affect thinking skills and blood vessel health in 300 active-duty or veteran military members. Researchers will measure substances in the blood linked to blood vessel damage, inflammation, and brain cell loss. They a…

This study follows 130 patients with disorders of consciousness after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or oxygen deprivation. Researchers will use brain scans, electrical tests, and regular check-ups to find factors that might predict if and when patients regain consciousness. The…

This study is testing a new monitor that tracks brain pressure over time in patients with serious brain injuries like trauma or bleeding. Researchers want to see if the pressure measurements can predict who will survive or recover well. The study will enroll 250 adults and follow…

This study places thin electrode strips on the brain surface of 10 patients who have had surgery for severe traumatic brain injury. For 1 to 3 weeks in the ICU, the electrodes record abnormal electrical waves called cortical spreading depolarizations. The goal is to pinpoint wher…

This study is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve executive functions—like working memory, attention, and decision-making—in people with conditions such as traumatic brain injury, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, bo…

This study looks at whether unconscious patients with brain injuries who show brain activity in response to music and language on an EEG are more likely to wake up and recover. Researchers will monitor 300 adults in the ICU, along with healthy volunteers, to see if these brain si…