Promoting Recovery After Brain Injury Using Focused Ultrasound
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The overall aim of this study is to develop an intervention that can help recovery in patients surviving severe brain injury but failing to fully recover. In particular, this project aims to (1) determine neurobehavioral responses to low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFUP) in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) following brain injury, (2) determine neurophysiologic (EEG) responses to LIFUP in patients with DoC and (3) identify and evaluate ethical perspectives of patient representatives (family members and surrogate decision-makers) surrounding investigation of therapeutic neuromodulation technologies such as LIFUP in patients with DoC.
Description
Aim 1: Determine neurobehavioral responses to LIFUP in patients with DoC. Aim 2: Determine neurophysiologic (EEG) responses to LIFUP in patients with DoC. Aim 3: Identify and evaluate ethical perspectives of patient representatives (family members and surrogate decision-makers) surrounding investigation of therapeutic neuromodulation technologies such as LIFUP in patients with DoC. Advanced MRI will be obtained to determine predictive neuroimaging signatures of responsiveness. This project will crucially inform the groundwork for a personalized, connectome-based approach to impactful therape…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–79 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Brain injury resulting in DoC diagnosis, following international guidelines * At least 18 years of age * Legally authorized representative (surrogate) available to consent Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological disorder other than the brain injury * Metal implant or other condition precluding MRI * Manifest continuous spontaneous movement (which would prevent safe/successful MRI) * Participation in concurrent therapeutic study * Pregnancy
Interventions
- DeviceLow-intensity focused ultrasound
Low-intensity focused ultrasound pulsations (LIFUP) will be delivered to the brain, along with advanced MRI and EEG. Surrogate decision makers (family members) and recovered patients will undergo a semi-structured interview.
Locations (2)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (The General Hospital Corp.)Boston, Massachusetts
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Corporation, Inc.Cambridge, Massachusetts