Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Brain Injury and Cognitive Function

This study is exploring why some people have difficulty with thinking skills like reading or seeing after a brain injury. Researchers want to understand how specific parts of the brain are involved in these skills. They will use advanced techniques, including different types of brain scans (like MRI, MEG, and EEG) and simple tests, to study individuals with brain damage. The results will help explain how the brain works and how injuries affect it. Because some brain injuries are rare, the study will focus on individual cases rather than large groups. They will also compare findings from patients to healthy volunteers. This research may lead to a better understanding of how the brain recovers or adapts after injury.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, France

Enrolment target

1,500

Start

05 Feb 2014

Estimated completion

05 Feb 2027

Cerebral Lesion Cognitive Deficit Following Brain Lesions

What is this study about?

This research wants to understand how our brain controls different mental abilities, like reading words or recognizing objects. Sometimes, when a part of the brain is damaged, for example, from an accident or a stroke, people can have trouble with these abilities. This study aims to get a clearer picture of how specific brain areas are linked to these important functions.

The researchers will be working with people who have experienced brain injuries that have affected their thinking skills. They will use special tools, including different types of brain scans. Some scans, like MRI, give detailed pictures of the brain's structure and activity. Others, like MEG and EEG, measure the electrical signals in the brain very quickly. These tools help researchers see which parts of the brain are working when someone is reading, listening, or doing simple tasks.

Because some types of brain injuries are quite rare, the study will often focus on understanding individual patients in great detail. They will also compare their findings to healthy volunteers who don't have brain injuries. By looking at how these abilities are affected when a specific part of the brain is damaged, and by comparing this to healthy brains, the study hopes to uncover the brain's secrets and shed light on how it works. This knowledge could eventually help us better understand and treat people with brain injuries.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand brain impact on thinking skills.
Uses advanced brain scans and thinking tests.
Focuses on individuals with brain injuries affecting specific abilities.
Compares findings to healthy volunteers.
Participation helps future research into brain function and recovery.
Safe, non-invasive methods like MRI, MEG, and EEG are used.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a social security number. You also need to agree to participate by signing a consent form. Before your examination, you shouldn't take any mental health medications for a week, and you shouldn't drink alcohol the day before. You should also try to get a good night's sleep.

For patients, this study is looking for people who have had a brain injury (like a stroke, a problem from birth, or a tumour) or a head injury. This is especially if these injuries have caused problems with thinking, seeing, or understanding things.

However, some people cannot join. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have recently given birth, you might not be able to participate, especially in the brain scanning parts. Anyone with severe vision or hearing problems that would make it hard to do the tests, or who has certain metal implants (like pacemakers, cochlear implants, or certain surgical clips) that make MRI scans unsafe, cannot take part. If you are claustrophobic (fear small spaces) and cannot go into an MRI scanner, you also cannot join the scanning parts of the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a social security number?
Do you have a brain injury that affects your thinking, vision, or understanding?
Are you able to avoid certain medications and alcohol before the tests?
Do you feel comfortable in small, enclosed spaces (for MRI)?
Are you free of metal implants that might be a problem for MRI scans?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to do various tests. This might involve different types of brain scans, such as MRI, MEG, and EEG, which are non-invasive methods to look at your brain's structure and activity. You will also do some thinking tests, like looking at pictures or words, and you might be asked to press a button or say something in response. The specific tasks and scans will be adjusted to suit you individually. Some tasks might be purely behavioural, meaning they don't involve brain imaging. There are no medications to take as part of this study, and the duration will vary depending on your individual plan.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part include contributing to a better understanding of how the brain works, which could help future patients with similar conditions. There are minimal risks; brain scans like MRI, MEG, and EEG are generally safe and don't involve radiation. However, there's always a slight risk of discomfort, for example, if you find MRI scanners noisy or feel claustrophobic. Also, some tests might be tiring. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

ICM - Paris Brain Institute
Verified postcode
Paris, France

Common questions

What kind of brain injury are you studying?

We're looking at various types of brain injuries, including those from strokes, tumours, accidents, or even conditions present from birth, especially if they have affected thinking, vision, or understanding.

Will I have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. We are using brain scans and thinking tests to understand how the brain works.

What happens during a brain scan?

During a brain scan like an MRI, you'll lie still in a scanner while it takes detailed pictures. It can be a bit noisy, but we can provide headphones. MEG and EEG involve wearing a special cap that measures brain activity from outside your head.

How long will my participation take?

The exact duration will depend on the specific tests tailored for you, but we will discuss this with you upfront so you know what to expect.

Will this study help me personally?

While this study might not directly improve your personal health, your involvement is very valuable. It helps researchers understand more about brain function and injury, which could lead to better treatments for others in the future.