Picture Naming Decoding From Intraoperative Recordings
This study looks at how brain signals produce speech in people undergoing awake brain surgery for a tumour. As part of your usual operation, doctors will place special sensors (electrodes) on the surface of your brain. While awake, you'll be shown pictures and asked to name them. At the same time, the sensors will record your brain activity and your voice. Researchers will then use computer programs to see if they can work out what you're naming just from your brain signals. The goal is to find better ways to help people who have lost the ability to speak due to illness or injury.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine being able to understand what someone is trying to say just by looking at their brain activity. That's what this study is exploring. Many people who have had severe strokes or brain injuries find it very difficult to speak, which can be incredibly frustrating. Researchers are always looking for new ways to help them communicate again.
This study is happening during 'awake' brain surgery for a brain tumour. This type of surgery is fairly common for certain brain tumours, especially if they are near areas that control movement or speech. Being awake allows the surgeons to monitor these functions carefully to keep you as safe as possible.
During your surgery, doctors will place very thin, flat sensors, called electrodes, on the surface of your brain. These are temporary and will be removed once the study part of your surgery is complete. While these sensors are in place, you'll be asked to look at some pictures and name what you see. The study collects recordings of your brain activity and your voice at the same time. Later, scientists will use clever computer programs to analyse these recordings and try to 'decode' your speech from your brain signals. This research is important because it could lead to new technologies that help people with severe speech problems communicate more easily in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study is for people having awake brain surgery for a tumour.
- It aims to understand how brain signals produce speech.
- Temporary sensors will record brain activity while you name pictures.
- The goal is to develop new ways to help people with speech difficulties.
- Your involvement is during your planned surgery, with no extra visits.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your medical care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older, and up to 84 years old. You must be having awake brain surgery for a brain tumour at Lariboisière Hospital, where doctors plan to place temporary brain sensors as part of your normal operation. Your tumour should also be located near the parts of the brain that handle language.
There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe memory or thinking problems that would make it hard to do the picture-naming task, or if you have a serious mental health condition. Other reasons include if your tumour isn't suitable for this type of surgery or if placing the sensors safely would be difficult. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain medical devices like a pacemaker, you also wouldn't be able to participate. Doctors will discuss all these points with you to see if the study is a good fit.
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 to 84 years old?
- Are you having awake brain surgery for a tumour at Lariboisière Hospital?
- Is your tumour near the parts of the brain that handle language?
- Do you feel able to understand and do a picture-naming task?
- Do you not have a pacemaker or other active implanted medical device?
- Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, your participation will happen during your planned awake brain surgery for a tumour. There are no extra hospital visits or follow-up appointments specifically for the study. During the surgery, after the temporary brain sensors are placed, you will be asked to name pictures shown to you. This will happen for a short period during the operation. Your brain activity and voice will be recorded at this time. Once the research part is complete, the sensors will be removed as part of your normal surgical procedure. There are no additional medications, and your total involvement in the study is limited to this short period during your surgery.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of neurosurgery Lariboisière hospital-APHPVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is an 'awake' brain surgery?
It's an operation where you are gently woken up during part of the surgery. This allows doctors to check your speech and movement to make sure important brain areas are not harmed.
What are 'brain sensors'?
These are very thin, temporary strips or grids of electrodes that are gently placed on the surface of your brain during surgery to record its electrical activity. They are removed before the end of the operation.
Will I feel pain during the picture naming?
No, your brain itself doesn't feel pain. You will be awake and able to communicate, but any discomfort will be managed by your surgical team.
How long will I be involved in the study?
Your involvement is limited to a short period during your planned surgery, specifically when the brain sensors are in place and you are naming pictures.
Can I choose not to participate?
Yes, taking part is completely your choice. If you decide not to, it will not affect your medical care or your surgery in any way.
How to find out more
Emmanuel MANDONNET
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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