Sound waves could unlock the minds of Brain-Injured patients

NCT ID NCT06693492

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether ultrasound can help doctors better understand and treat people with disorders of consciousness, like coma or a minimally conscious state, after severe brain injury. Researchers will use ultrasound to look at brain structure and function, and also try low-intensity focused ultrasound as a treatment. The goal is to find a cheaper, more accessible way to diagnose and help these patients, who are often difficult to assess with standard methods.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Ultrasound (diagnostic and therapeutic)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a low-cost, bedside tool to better diagnose and treat patients with disorders of consciousness.
What could go wrong: This is an early exploratory study with no phase, so results may not change practice. The treatment effect of ultrasound stimulation is uncertain.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Consciousness Disorders Persistent Vegetative State

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DISORDERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Neurology, Public Helath, Disability Unit

Milan, Lombardy, 20133, Italy
IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Neuroimaging Lab

Messina, Sicily, 98124, Italy
IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UO di Medicina Riabilitativa e Neuroriabilitazione

Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, 40139, Italy
Istituto S. Anna, Semi-Intensive Rehabilitation Unit for Acquired Brain Injury

Crotone, Calabria, 88900, Italy

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