Could sound waves wake the brain? new trial tests ultrasound for severe injury

NCT ID NCT06939348

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of California, Los Angeles Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (tFUS) can help people with severe traumatic brain injury who have not fully recovered consciousness. Researchers will compare real tFUS to a sham (fake) treatment in 60 participants, measuring changes in consciousness using a standard scale. The goal is to see if this non-invasive device is safe and can promote recovery.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Low-intensity focused ultrasound (tFUS) delivered by the Brainsonix BX Pulsar 1002 device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with severe brain injuries regain consciousness and improve neurological function.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is experimental and may not work better than a sham procedure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic Coma Consciousness Disorders Hypoxia, Brain Persistent Vegetative State stroke disorder traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CONSCIOUSNESS DISORDERS DISORDERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS DUE TO SEVERE BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare
RECRUITING

Pomona, California, 91767, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital (The General Hospital Corp.)
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation, Inc.
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129-3109, United States
The Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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