Ketamine challenged as safe option for severe brain injury in tiny new study

NCT ID NCT06062628

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

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-relieving properties, can be used without causing harm.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Ketamine

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that ketamine is safe for severe TBI patients and may help guide better sedation practices.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase pilot study with only 10 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Ketamine has long been thought to raise brain pressure, and this risk is still being investigated.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic traumatic brain injury traumatic encephalopathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Parkland Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States

  • Parkland Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••