Brain scans reveal how anesthesia drugs change memory and pain
NCT ID NCT07294092
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at how two common anesthesia drugs, ketamine and propofol, change brain activity related to memory and pain. Healthy adults aged 18-59 will have MRI scans and EEG recordings while receiving the drugs alone or together. The goal is to understand brain connectivity, not to treat any condition.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
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About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 59 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18-59 years of age, who: * have none of the specific exclusion criteria * have a valid email address and valid phone number throughout the study * free from any non-MRI compatible implants Exclusion Criteria: * are pregnant or attempting to conceive * body mass index (BMI) \> 35 * significant memory impairment or hearing loss * sleep apnea * chronic pain or frequently taking pain medication * chronic medical conditions requiring treatment (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol) * neurologic disease, including seizures and tremor * psychiatric diagnoses, including anxiety, depression, panic, or PTSD * a history of any of these medical conditions: abnormal heartbeats (cardiac conduction abnormality or arrhythmia), liver or kidney disease, or significant lung disease * severe claustrophobia or intolerance of an MRI * have metal implants or non-removable metal piercings * having a history of adverse reaction to ketamine or propofol * daily alcohol or heavy alcohol use; history of alcohol abuse * current daily smoker * regular or recent marijuana use (including prescribed/medical marijuana) * illicit drug use, i.e., street drugs * regularly taking: antiepileptics, antidepressants, anti-psychotics, antihistamines, anti-anxiety medication, stimulants, or sleep-aids
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITINGPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States
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