Brain scans may reveal hidden signs of consciousness after severe injury
NCT ID NCT07074678
First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study investigates whether functional MRI (fMRI) can detect signs of consciousness in patients who are comatose or in a minimally conscious state after an acute brain injury. Researchers will measure brain activity during rest, commands, and mild pain stimulation to see if these patterns relate to current awareness and future recovery. The goal is to improve prognostication for patients with disorders of consciousness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- functional MRI (fMRI) with auditory and noxious stimulation
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help doctors better predict which patients with severe brain injuries might regain consciousness, guiding treatment and family decisions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead to a clear predictive tool, and results may not apply to all types of brain injury.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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