Studying Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Prevent Delirium After Hip Fracture Surgery in People 65 and Older

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS can reduce the occurrence of postoperative delirium POD in elderly patients who undergo hip fracture surgery. This randomized controlled trial will include adults aged 65 years and older scheduled for elective hip surgeries such as femoral head fractures, femoral neck fractures, and hip replacements. The study aims to understand how tDCS impacts brain function and delirium after surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an active tDCS group or a sham tDCS group. The active group will receive two 20-minute tDCS sessions with a 2 mA current, one before surgery and one after surgery, with electrodes placed on specific areas of the head. The sham group will undergo similar sessions but without the actual stimulation current. Brain activity will be monitored using functional near-infrared spectroscopy fNIRS at four times before and after the tDCS sessions. During the study, participants will be assessed for the presence and severity of postoperative delirium using the 3-Minute Diagnostic Interview for Confusion Assessment Method 3D-CAM on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Researchers will also evaluate pain levels, anxiety, depression, cognitive function, and sleep quality. The total involvement includes screening, two tDCS sessions, four brain monitoring sessions, and outcome assessments, with careful monitoring throughout the surgical and recovery periods.

Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients