First-of-its-Kind trial aims to wake up Brain-Injured patients

This early-phase study is testing whether intravenous methylphenidate (a stimulant) can safely help restore brain network connections in patients with severe disorders of consciousness, such as coma or vegetative state, following traumatic or anoxic brain injury. The trial will enroll 10 patients in intensive care to receive gradually increasing doses while closely monitoring safety and measuring brain activity changes via EEG and MRI. The main goal is to find the highest safe dose and see if the drug affects brain connectivity patterns that might support recovery of awareness.