Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Researchers are investigating the use of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS combined with cognitive training to address symptoms in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder ASD. ASD is characterized by challenges in communication, social skills, repetitive behaviors, and emotional distress triggered by environmental changes. This study aims to determine if baseline resting-state EEG and clinical data can predict which individuals respond to tDCS treatment, helping to improve intervention strategies. Participants will receive active tDCS over 10 sessions during two weeks, with one session per day on consecutive working days. Each session includes 20 minutes of tDCS combined with an online cognitive training program consisting of five exercises targeting information processing speed and executive function. After treatment, participants will be classified as responders or non-responders based on changes in social responsiveness scores. During the study, assessments will measure changes in social communication and repetitive behaviors using the Social Responsiveness Scale, cognitive function through various CANTAB tests, and neurophysiological measures at the start and immediately after the intervention. Researchers will monitor behavioral changes and executive function outcomes to evaluate the impact of the combined treatment over the study period ending in 2026.

Researchers are investigating how different cannabis strains, specifically those containing varying amounts of THC and CBD, affect recognition memory and brain activity in healthy, regular cannabis users aged 21 to 40. This study explores the distinct impacts of these cannabinoids on episodic memory, using commercially available cannabis flower strains, including a THC-dominant strain and a THC-CBD combination. It aims to understand how these compounds influence memory processes and brain waves measured through event-related potentials ERPs. Participants self-administer one of the two cannabis strains before completing a recognition memory task on two separate days once while intoxicated and once when not intoxicated. Blood samples are collected to measure THC and CBD levels, and genetic analyses are conducted to examine variations related to cannabinoid metabolism and cognitive function. Alongside memory testing, participants complete questionnaires about medical history, sleep quality, cognitive function, physical activity, psychological health, substance use, and drug effects. During the study, participants undergo EEG monitoring while performing memory tasks to record brain activity differences between intoxicated and non-intoxicated states. Researchers assess changes in memory accuracy and ERP amplitudes along with secondary outcomes such as mood, craving, paranoia, and circulating cannabinoid concentrations. The study spans approximately three weeks covering all sessions, with continuous monitoring of substance use to account for confounding factors.

Researchers are studying patients over 60 years old undergoing major non-cardiac surgery to find the best blood pressure level to maintain during surgery for optimal brain health. This observational study aims to determine if non-invasive monitors measuring brain electrical activity EEG and blood oxygen levels cerebral oximetry can help tailor blood pressure for each individual and understand how much this optimal level differs between patients. Participants will have EEG and cerebral oximetry monitoring stickers placed on their foreheads before surgery, which will collect data throughout the surgery and up to 24 hours afterward or until extubation. These monitors will be connected to specialized equipment that records brain and blood pressure data in real-time without affecting medical care. The study includes assessments before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery, including cognitive and delirium testing using standardized tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA and Confusion Assessment Method CAM. During the study, participants will complete questionnaires about their brain health at enrollment and daily after surgery. They will undergo baseline cognitive testing before surgery, continuous brain monitoring during surgery, and daily cognitive and delirium assessments during hospitalization. Follow-up assessments by phone will occur at one month and six months after surgery. Researchers will also collect medical data such as medications, pain scores, and vital signs to analyze alongside cognitive outcomes. The primary focus is on measuring cerebral autoregulation and brain function related to blood pressure during and after surgery.

Researchers are studying how differences in brain structure and function relate to personality and behavior in adults with and without alcohol use disorder. This observational study aims to identify brain, behavioral, genetic, and other factors associated with alcoholism by using a set of imaging assessments called Characterization Imaging Instruments for Addiction Neuroimaging Assessments CII-ANiA. The study includes adult volunteers diagnosed with alcohol dependence or alcohol use disorder based on established criteria. Participants will have one or more visits that may include several MRI scans, such as whole brain structural MRI, Diffusion Tensor MRI, and resting state and task-based functional MRIs, while they perform computerized motivational, cognitive, and emotional tasks. The MRI scans involve lying in a scanner for about 90 minutes, which makes loud knocking noises. Some participants will play computerized games inside the MRI scanner, while others may complete behavioral tasks outside the scanner. During the study visit, participants undergo screening including medical history, physical exam, EKG, and provide blood and urine samples. They will be assessed for alcohol use disorder through interviews and questionnaires. Researchers measure brain imaging outcomes related to addiction phases, along with behavioral and genetic data. The study monitors safety through breath alcohol, drug, and pregnancy tests, and excludes participants based on MRI safety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Participation involves a single visit with comprehensive assessments to understand the brain and behavior differences linked with alcohol use disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in communication, social skills, and behavior. Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcranial direct-current stimulation tDCS, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to improve cognitive and social functions in adolescents with ASD. The study aims to understand how tDCS may affect brain mechanisms and assess if booster sessions can enhance and prolong benefits. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, applied during executive function training tasks over 10 sessions within two weeks. The active stimulation involves 20 minutes of current, while the sham group experiences brief initial stimulation only. Responders will enter a six-month follow-up phase receiving randomized booster sessions of active or sham tDCS bi-monthly for three months, then monthly for another three months. During the trial, participants will be assessed using the Social Responsiveness Scale and neuropsychological cognitive tests at multiple time points up to 26 weeks. Researchers will monitor social responsiveness changes and clinical responses to tDCS. The study includes careful monitoring of cognitive and social improvements, with evaluations before, during, and after treatment to understand the lasting effects and safety of tDCS in ASD adolescents.

Autism spectrum disorder ASD is a lifelong developmental condition affecting communication, social skills, and cognitive functions, often causing emotional stress for individuals and their communities. This research investigates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS, a noninvasive brain stimulation technique, to study its effects on reducing core ASD symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, impulsivity, and social difficulties. The trial aims to understand the long-term benefits of tDCS and whether booster sessions can help maintain improvements in adolescents with ASD. Participants receive either active or sham placebo multisession tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, combined with an online cognitive training program focused on executive functions. The study compares groups receiving active multisession tDCS plus active booster sessions against those receiving sham multisession and booster tDCS, and also examines the role of booster treatments in sustaining cognitive benefits. Each tDCS session involves a brief stimulation causing a tingling sensation, followed by a 20-minute cognitive training task. The study duration includes assessments at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. During the study, participants undergo repeated evaluations including the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 SRS-2 to measure social function changes, cognitive tests, and EEG recordings to assess brain activity changes. Safety and clinical responses to tDCS are monitored at multiple time points. The trial uses a randomized, triple-blind design to ensure unbiased results. Overall participation lasts up to 12 months, with multiple follow-up visits to track sustained effects and potential relapse risks.

Researchers are working to improve and develop magnetic resonance imaging MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy MRS techniques to better measure brain chemistry and activity. The study focuses on healthy adults aged 18 to 65 and aims to support research into psychiatric illnesses by enhancing brain metabolite imaging methods. This research is conducted by the National Institute of Mental Health and involves using advanced MRI scanners for detailed brain and muscle imaging. Participants will undergo a screening visit including medical exams, blood and urine tests, and neurological assessments. The study uses existing MRI scans if done within the past year or performs a new MRI scan. Then, participants will have a magnetic resonance spectroscopy MRS scan lasting one to two hours to measure brain metabolites using proton and phosphorous MRS on specialized 3T and 7T MRI scanners. During the study, participants will be monitored for the quality of MR spectroscopy images, focusing on signal-to-noise ratio, lineshape, linewidth, and resolution. The research also tracks improvements in scanner hardware, software, and methods. The total involvement includes screening and scanning visits, with no medications involved, aiming to develop reliable imaging techniques useful for studying psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Psychological stress is common and can significantly affect peoples lives. This research focuses on chiropractic students in a Masters level course in Scotland to explore how stress might change brain activity over a semester. The study aims to see if EEG, a tool that records brain waves, can objectively measure stress levels alongside a stress questionnaire. Researchers want to test if such a study is practical for a larger future project. Participants will be observed without receiving any treatment. The study involves three assessment sessions spaced about four weeks apart during the semester. Each session includes filling out a stress questionnaire and undergoing EEG recordings while seated, with eyes open and closed. Students will also complete a Montreal Imaging Stress Task during EEG recording to assess stress responses. Participants will be involved over roughly 16 weeks, attending three visits for data collection. During each visit, their brain activity will be recorded, and they will complete questionnaires related to stress. The research team will track recruitment and retention rates and monitor any challenges or adverse events. The main goal is to understand the feasibility of using EEG to measure stress changes over time in these students.

Stroke often causes long-term disabilities, including slower movement and difficulties with executive functions, which can affect recovery quality. Researchers are studying how specific brain regions interact to control action speed. This study uses advanced brain imaging and stimulation techniques to better understand and potentially improve action speed in stroke patients. The trial involves healthy adults and stroke patients to explore brain network function and rehabilitation approaches. The study is divided into three phases. In the first phase, healthy participants undergo targeted brain stimulation to temporarily disrupt seven key brain areas and see how this affects their action speed. The second phase tests intermittent theta burst stimulation iTBS on the most important brain regions in healthy individuals to assess changes in action speed. In the final clinical phase, stroke patients receive personalized iTBS treatments aimed at improving their action speed, with progress tracked over several months. Participants will be evaluated at the start, immediately after treatment, and at one and three months post-treatment. Assessments include reaction time tasks, brain connectivity measurements using EEG, fNIRS, and dynamic causal modeling, and tests of executive function and daily motor skills. Researchers will compare stroke patients results with healthy controls to refine stimulation techniques and develop personalized rehabilitation strategies to support better recovery after stroke.

Researchers are investigating whether the neurological outcome after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest can be predicted earlier than the currently recommended 72-hour time point. This study focuses on adult patients who suffered a cardiac arrest of presumed cardiac or unknown cause and are unconscious after resuscitation. It explores combining clinical exams, brain injury markers like neurofilament light NFL, EEG, and head CT scans to predict poor functional outcomes at 24 hours post-arrest without false positives. The study is a prospective observational substudy within the larger STEPCARE trial, conducted by Lund University and involving multiple international centers. The study involves collecting blood samples to measure brain injury markers at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after randomization. EEG and CT scans are performed as early as possible after 24 hours in patients still unconscious. Additional neuroimaging and electrophysiological data, including SSEP and MRI, are collected for central blind review. Patients receive intensive care according to STEPCARE trial protocols, which include varying sedation, fever treatment, and blood pressure targets, but decisions about life-sustaining therapy withdrawal follow current guidelines and are not made solely on early exam results. Participants will be assessed with clinical exams, blood tests, EEG, and imaging during their hospital stay, with data stored securely using study IDs. Functional outcomes are evaluated six months after randomization using the modified Rankin Scale, with poor outcomes defined as moderate to severe disability or death. The study aims to determine whether early prognostic tools can predict neurological outcomes accurately and safely, with final biomarker analyses performed after trial completion.