Study to Improve Recovery and Outcomes for Adults with Life-Threatening Brain Conditions in the Neuro ICU

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying life-threatening neurological illnesses treated in the University of Marylands 22-bed NeuroCritical Care Unit NCCU, including conditions like massive stroke, brain bleeding, tumors, seizures, infections, nerve and muscle diseases, and spinal cord disorders. The study aims to better understand the pathways of brain injury, how complications and current care may worsen injury, and the impact on patient outcomes. This observational study collects detailed clinical, physiological, laboratory, and imaging data to improve knowledge about brain injury mechanisms and recovery. Participants are observed in a non-interventional manner, with data collected both retrospectively from January 2012 and prospectively going forward. The study captures patient characteristics, treatments, physiological monitoring, and diagnostic studies like EEG, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and angiograms. Samples are stored in a biorepository to support future research. Patients receive standard ICU care, and no research procedures interfere with treatment. Patients needing an External Ventricular Drain EVD may have cerebrospinal fluid samples collected daily for up to 14 days if medically indicated. During the study, participants have mental status assessments during hospitalization with follow-up evaluations at discharge or two weeks, and again at 3 and 12 months. These include neurological, cognitive, emotional, and quality of life tests such as the Glasgow Outcome Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Barthel Index. Researchers analyze clinical and physiological data to find links between brain injury and long-term outcomes. Participation may involve questionnaires, chart reviews, and interviews in person or by phone, lasting about one hour. The study continues until 2034.

Improving Outcomes for Patients With Life-Threatening Neurologic Illness