Neurochecks for Brain Injury
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines how the frequency of doctor checks for brain injury patients in the ICU affects their sleep and mental health. The researchers aim to determine if frequent waking for these checks might increase confusion or even lead to dementia later. Patients with a type of brain bleed, known as intracerebral hemorrhage, who are stable in the ICU may qualify. The trial will compare patients checked every hour with those checked every other hour. As an unphased trial, it offers patients the opportunity to contribute to important research that could enhance ICU care practices.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this neurocheck frequency protocol is safe for older patients with acute brain injury?
Research has shown that regular neurochecks, frequent neurological exams, are common for people with brain injuries. These exams help detect any decline in brain function. One study found that patients with traumatic brain injuries often underwent checks every hour but required fewer interventions after 48 hours. This suggests that such frequent checks might not always be necessary.
Another study examined 227 people with mild to moderate head injuries. It found that abnormal neurological exams were crucial for identifying brain injuries. However, the study did not address how often these exams should occur.
This trial examines the frequency of neurochecks, so there isn't direct data comparing the safety of hourly checks versus checks every other hour. However, since both methods are standard practices, they are generally considered safe. The trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, focusing on understanding effects rather than proving safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the "Neurochecks for Brain Injury" trial because it explores how the frequency of neurological examinations might impact patient outcomes after brain injuries. Unlike the traditional approach of conducting hourly neurochecks, this trial introduces a new method where patients are checked every other hour. This could potentially reduce patient discomfort and sleep disruption without compromising safety or effectiveness. By comparing these two strategies, the trial aims to find a balance that maintains patient care quality while improving comfort and recovery.
What evidence suggests that this trial's neurocheck frequencies could be effective for managing delirium in patients with acute brain injury?
This trial will compare two different frequencies of neurochecks for patients with brain injuries. Research has shown that checking patients' brain function every other hour might lower the risk of confusion in those with serious brain injuries. A survey of healthcare workers found they prefer this less frequent monitoring because it might be safer and disturb patients' sleep less. In this trial, one group will receive hourly neurochecks, while another group will receive neurochecks every other hour. For patients with traumatic brain injuries, those checked every hour often needed fewer treatments after the first two days. This suggests that checking less often could still keep patients safe while allowing them more rest. Therefore, every-other-hour checks could be a helpful way to support recovery from brain injuries.23467
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older patients in the ICU with acute brain injuries from conditions like bleeding or stroke. It's looking at how often they should be checked for changes in their condition (neurochecks). Patients must not have other factors that could cause delirium, and they need to be able to participate in follow-up tests.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients are randomized to hourly or every-other-hour neurochecks during their ICU stay to monitor the impact on delirium and cognitive outcomes.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term cognitive outcomes and other psychological measures at 6 months post-discharge.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Frequency of neurochecks
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, San Diego
Lead Sponsor