Awareness Detection and Communication in Disorders of Consciousness
This study is looking into a new way to understand and communicate with people who have severe brain injuries, paralysis, or motor neuron disease. Some people in these situations might seem unaware or unable to move, but their brains could still be active. This research uses a special brain-computer interface (BCI) that measures brain activity. Participants imagine movements like lifting an arm to answer 'yes' or 'no' questions. The goal is to see if this technology can accurately detect awareness and provide a new way for people to communicate, especially if they can't speak or move. It could help doctors better understand a patient's level of consciousness.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is focused on people who have conditions that make it very hard or impossible to communicate using speech or body movements. This includes people with what doctors call 'disorders of consciousness' – where someone might be awake but seem unaware, or only minimally aware. It also includes people with severe paralysis, like those with Motor Neuron Disease or 'locked-in syndrome,' who are fully aware but can't move or speak.
The challenge with these conditions is that it's often difficult for doctors to know exactly how much a person understands or is aware of, because traditional tests rely on them being able to respond physically. This study uses a specialised technology called a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). This system measures your brain activity, specifically when you imagine making a movement, like lifting your left arm or your right arm. The idea is that if you can imagine these movements in response to questions, the BCI can detect distinct brain patterns for 'yes' or 'no' answers, offering a new way to communicate.
The researchers hope this technology can provide a clearer picture of a person's awareness, especially for those whose level of consciousness is uncertain. It could also open up new ways for people who are fully aware but profoundly paralysed to interact with others and the world around them, even without any physical movement. This could eventually lead to better assessments and communication tools, improving care and quality of life for many.
Key takeaways
- Exploring new ways to understand awareness in people who can't speak or move.
- Uses Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology to detect thought-based communication.
- Aims to help people with disorders of consciousness, paralysis, and Motor Neuron Disease.
- Could eventually provide a 'yes'/'no' communication channel through imagined movements.
- No physical risks; it's about recording brain activity.
- Focuses on improving diagnosis and communication for those with severe conditions.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people aged 10 to 80 years old, of any gender. You might be able to take part if you have a disorder of consciousness (like a vegetative state or minimally conscious state) or a condition like locked-in syndrome or Motor Neuron Disease that severely limits your movement and speech but means you are fully aware.
However, there are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. You can't take part if you have certain brain-related illnesses like uncontrolled epilepsy or other progressive brain conditions, or if you regularly experience pain that might affect your brain activity during the study. Also, if you're taking medications that make you very tired or affect your thinking, or if you have uncontrollable arm, head movements, or grind your teeth excessively, you wouldn't be suitable as these could interfere with the brain scans. You also need to have English as your first language.
For the second part of the study, only those who showed clear signs of brain activity and awareness in the first part, or those who are aware but need movement-independent communication tools, would be invited to continue with further training.
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 10 and 80 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of a disorder of consciousness, strong paralysis, or Motor Neuron Disease?
- Is English your first language?
- Do you have any severe or uncontrolled brain conditions like epilepsy?
- Do you have any uncontrollable movements of your head or arms?
- Are you taking medicines that make you very tired or affect your thinking a lot?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, it's divided into three main stages. The first stage involves 1 to 2 sessions where the researchers check if you can imagine movements and if your brain activity changes in a detectable way. This helps them see if you can respond to instructions.
If you show signs of being able to do this, you'll move to the second stage, which includes 3 to 6 training sessions. During these sessions, you'll get real-time feedback on your brain activity as you imagine movements, helping you improve your ability to control these brain patterns. Finally, in the third stage, over 7 to 10 sessions, you'll use your imagined movements to answer 'yes' or 'no' questions. These questions will cover different topics like personal details, numbers, logic, and everyday situations, to see how well you can communicate. The entire study involves a series of sessions, each designed to build on the last. There are no specific medications involved in this study, and the total duration would depend on how many sessions you complete.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (18)
- National Rehabilitation Hospital of IrelandVerified postcodeDublin, Ireland· Not yet recruiting
- Castel Froma Neuro CareVerified postcodeWarwick, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Northern Health and Social Care TrustVerified postcodeAntrim, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeBarnsley, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Belfast Health and Social Care TrustVerified postcodeBelfast, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Frenchay Brain Injury Rehabilitation CentreVerified postcodeBristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- NHS LothianVerified postcodeEdinburgh, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeHull, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation TrustVerified postcodeLiverpool, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Huntercombe GroupVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Royal Hospital for Neuro-DisabilityVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is a 'Brain-Computer Interface'?
It's a special system that connects your brain activity to a computer, allowing you to control things with your thoughts, without needing to move.
How does imagining movements help me communicate?
When you imagine moving your left arm or right arm, your brain creates different patterns of electrical activity. The computer can learn to recognise these patterns as 'yes' or 'no' answers.
Is this study safe?
Yes, the main technology used (EEG) is safe. It only records your brain's electrical signals and doesn't send any electricity into your brain.
Will I get immediate results?
This is research, so it's about gathering information over time. While you might get feedback during training, the main goal is to understand the technology's potential for future clinical use.
What happens if I can't imagine movements?
The first phase of the study is designed to see if you can. If it doesn't work for you, you wouldn't continue to the later training phases.
How to find out more
Damien Coyle, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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