Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Brain Areas of Cognitive Functions: a Study in Awake Surgery

This research wants to understand which parts of the brain handle different mental skills, like seeing, hearing, remembering things, and talking. It specifically looks at how these brain areas work together and if some areas are involved in many different skills. To do this, patients with a brain tumour will do various quick tests testing these skills both before and during their brain surgery, while they are awake. By comparing how well someone does on these tests at both times, the doctors can get a clearer picture of which brain areas are important for specific functions. This helps them learn more about how our brains control our thoughts and actions.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

08 Nov 2030

Cerebral Tumor

What is this study about?

This research project is designed to help us understand more about how our brains work, especially focusing on how we see, hear, remember, and speak. Imagine your brain as a very complex control centre, with different areas responsible for different jobs. This study aims to pinpoint exactly which areas are doing what, and how these areas might overlap in their duties.

For people undergoing brain surgery for a brain tumour, this study involves performing short tests of their mental skills. These tests might include things like looking at pictures, listening to sounds, or answering simple questions. They will be done once before the surgery and then again during the surgery itself, while the patient is awake.

The main goal is to compare the results from before and during surgery. By doing this, the medical team can see if certain brain areas, when temporarily affected during surgery, impact a particular skill. This helps them identify which parts of the brain are crucial for specific tasks, ultimately improving our knowledge of how the brain manages our daily functions.

Key takeaways

This study helps doctors learn how different brain parts control mental skills.
Tests for memory, language, and perception are done before and during awake surgery.
It helps us understand which brain areas are essential for specific functions.
Participation involves simple tasks and contributes to future brain knowledge.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without impacting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 75 years old who has a brain tumour. You also need to be able to see and hear well enough for the tests, either naturally or with glasses/hearing aids. Everyone taking part must freely agree and sign a consent form.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have certain other brain conditions like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, or if you've had a stroke. Pregnant or breastfeeding women also can't take part. The medical team will make sure that participating is right for you, especially if you have any conditions that might affect your thinking or ability to make decisions.

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 between 18 and 75 years old?
Do you have a brain tumour?
Can you see and hear well enough for simple tests (with or without glasses/hearing aids)?
Have you *not* had a stroke or other serious brain condition like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's?
Are you *not* pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you able to provide free and informed consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have some short tests that check your mental skills, like how well you see, hear, remember, and speak. These tests will be done at two different times: once before your brain surgery, and again during the surgery itself while you are awake. There are no extra medications involved, and the follow-up is part of your standard surgical care. The total time for your involvement beyond your usual medical care would mainly be for the tests themselves.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help researchers gain a better understanding of the brain, which could lead to improved surgical techniques in the future. There are no direct personal medical benefits to you from participating. The risks are minimal and are mainly linked to the inconvenience of doing the tests. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

Service de Neurochirurgie, Hôpital Pierre Paul Riquet, Place du Docteur Baylac
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What kind of tests will I do?

You'll do quick tests for things like seeing, hearing, remembering, and talking, both before and during surgery.

Will I be awake during surgery for the tests?

Yes, some of the tests will be done while you are awake during your brain surgery.

Will taking part affect my medical care?

No, joining this study will not change how you receive your brain tumour treatment or care.

Can I change my mind after joining?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical treatment.

Are there any side effects from the tests?

The tests themselves are generally safe and don't have side effects, just inconvenience.

How to find out more

Franck Emmanuel ROUX, PHD

roux.f@chu-toulouse.fr 05 61 77 93 81 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.