Can a smile reveal hidden consciousness? new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06088628
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at micro-expressions—tiny, involuntary facial movements—in 200 patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness. Researchers will use emotional stimuli to trigger these expressions and combine them with EEG and MRI scans. The goal is to better classify levels of consciousness and explore remaining brain function.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could improve how doctors diagnose levels of consciousness in patients with severe brain injuries.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early observational study, so it may not lead to immediate clinical changes. Results may not apply to all patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2022
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
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.
Who is studied
Patients are recruited from both general hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals.
- Ages
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18 to 80 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: 1. Patients with consciousness disorders for more than 28 days following severe brain injury, assessed by the CRS-R scale to meet the criteria for VS or MCS; 2. Aged between 18 and 80 years; 3. Stable vital signs; 4. Voluntary participation of family members with signed informed consent; 5. Good cooperation, minimal facial and spontaneous activities, no use of antiepileptic or sedative drugs. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Locked-in syndrome; 2. Contraindications for EEG examination; 3. Contraindications for MRI scanning, such as the presence of internal metallic implants; 4. Diseases and factors that may affect brain function assessment, such as metabolic disorders, poisoning, shock, etc.
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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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First Affiliated Hospital,Zhejiang University
RECRUITINGHangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Brain-wave test may predict who wakes up after severe brain injury
- Zapping the brain with gentle electricity may nudge unconscious patients toward awareness
- New italian tools could unlock communication and swallowing assessment in brain injury patients
- Can a flicker of movement reveal hidden awareness?
- Sound waves to wake the brain? new study tests ultrasound for consciousness disorders
- Could sound waves wake the brain? new trial tests ultrasound for severe injury