Trial Outcomes & Findings for Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (NCT NCT02881151)

NCT ID: NCT02881151

Last Updated: 2022-12-23

Results Overview

The Trail Making Test is a measure of attention, speed and mental flexibility. It also tests spatial organization, visual pursuits, recall, and recognition. Part A requires the individual to draw lines to connect 25 encircled numbers distributed on a page. Part A tests visual scanning, numeric sequencing, and visuomotor speed. Part B is similar except the person must alternate between numbers and letters and is believed to be more difficult and takes longer to complete. Part B tests cognitive demands including visual motor and visual spatial abilities and mental flexibility. Both sections are timed and the score represents the amount of time required to complete the task. Lower scores (shorter times) correspond to a better outcome.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

6 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Results posted on

2022-12-23

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Treatment
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Hospital Admission and Surgery (3 Days)
STARTED
6
Hospital Admission and Surgery (3 Days)
COMPLETED
6
Hospital Admission and Surgery (3 Days)
NOT COMPLETED
0
Post-surgical Washout (65 to 93 Days)
STARTED
6
Post-surgical Washout (65 to 93 Days)
COMPLETED
5
Post-surgical Washout (65 to 93 Days)
NOT COMPLETED
1
DBS Titration-Optimization (14 Days)
STARTED
5
DBS Titration-Optimization (14 Days)
COMPLETED
5
DBS Titration-Optimization (14 Days)
NOT COMPLETED
0
Unblinded Treatment Phase (90 Days)
STARTED
5
Unblinded Treatment Phase (90 Days)
COMPLETED
5
Unblinded Treatment Phase (90 Days)
NOT COMPLETED
0
Withdrawal Phase (21 Days)
STARTED
3
Withdrawal Phase (21 Days)
COMPLETED
3
Withdrawal Phase (21 Days)
NOT COMPLETED
0
Continuation Phase (6 Months)
STARTED
5
Continuation Phase (6 Months)
COMPLETED
5
Continuation Phase (6 Months)
NOT COMPLETED
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Treatment
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Post-surgical Washout (65 to 93 Days)
Device explantation
1

Baseline Characteristics

Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Treatment
n=6 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Age, Continuous
34 years
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
2 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
4 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
6 Participants
n=5 Participants
Years since injury
6.5 years
n=5 Participants
Years of education
14 years
n=5 Participants
Trail-making test, part B
116.9 seconds
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Trail Making Test is a measure of attention, speed and mental flexibility. It also tests spatial organization, visual pursuits, recall, and recognition. Part A requires the individual to draw lines to connect 25 encircled numbers distributed on a page. Part A tests visual scanning, numeric sequencing, and visuomotor speed. Part B is similar except the person must alternate between numbers and letters and is believed to be more difficult and takes longer to complete. Part B tests cognitive demands including visual motor and visual spatial abilities and mental flexibility. Both sections are timed and the score represents the amount of time required to complete the task. Lower scores (shorter times) correspond to a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Trail Making Test Part B Time to Completion
-25.6 percent change in time
Interval -42.26 to -23.94

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Trail Making Test is a measure of attention, speed and mental flexibility. It also tests spatial organization, visual pursuits, recall, and recognition. Part A requires the individual to draw lines to connect 25 encircled numbers distributed on a page. Part A tests visual scanning, numeric sequencing, and visuomotor speed. Part B is similar except the person must alternate between numbers and letters and is believed to be more difficult and takes longer to complete. Part B tests cognitive demands including visual motor and visual spatial abilities and mental flexibility. Both sections are timed and the score represents the amount of time required to complete the task. Lower scores (shorter times) correspond to a better outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Trail Making Test Part A Time to Completion
-27.4 percent change in time
Interval -33.06 to -25.34

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The TBI-QOL was developed as a comprehensive patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measurement system specifically for individuals with TBI. It consists of 20 independent calibrated item banks and 2 uncalibrated scales that measure physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of health-related quality of life. We will administer the short form (6-10 questions each) of the TBI-QOL Fatigue, Attention/Concentration, and Executive Function subscales. Executive Function score range: 10-50, higher scores correspond to better executive function.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life - Executive Function Short Form (TBI-QOL) Scale Score
28.0 percent change in score
Interval 19.44 to 53.57

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The TBI-QOL was developed as a comprehensive patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measurement system specifically for individuals with TBI. It consists of 20 independent calibrated item banks and 2 uncalibrated scales that measure physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of health-related quality of life. We will administer the short form (6-10 questions each) of the TBI-QOL Fatigue, Attention/Concentration, and Executive Function subscales. Attention/Concentration score range: 6-30, higher scores correspond to better attention and concentration.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life - Attention/Concentration Short Form Scale Score
66.7 percent change in score
Interval 57.85 to 92.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The TBI-QOL was developed as a comprehensive patient-reported outcomes (PRO) measurement system specifically for individuals with TBI. It consists of 20 independent calibrated item banks and 2 uncalibrated scales that measure physical, emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of health-related quality of life. We will administer the short form (6-10 questions each) of the TBI-QOL Fatigue, Attention/Concentration, and Executive Function subscales. Fatigue score range: 10-50, lower scores correspond to less fatigue.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Traumatic Brain Injury Quality of Life - Fatigue Short Form Scale Score
2.9 percent change in score
Interval -20.0 to 5.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Rivermead PCS Questionnaire (RPQ) was originally developed as a measure of severity of symptoms following mild TBI. It consists of 16 post-concussion symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea/vomiting, noise sensitivity, sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritability, feeling depressed/tearful, feeling frustrated/ impatient, forgetfulness, poor concentration, taking longer to think, blurred vision, light sensitivity, double vision and restlessness. In the original version of the RPQ, participants are asked to rate the degree (on a scale of 0 to 4) to which a particular symptom has been absent or a mild, moderate or severe problem over the previous 24 hours compared with premorbid levels. Score range: 0-64, lower scores correspond to fewer symptoms

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire Scale Score
-36.6 percent change in score
Interval -62.16 to -6.25

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Ruff 2 \& 7 Test was developed to measure two aspects of visual attention: sustained attention (ability to maintain consistent performance level over time) and selective attention (ability to select relevant stimuli while ignoring distractors). The test consists of a series of 20 trials of a visual search and cancellation task. The respondent detects and marks through all occurrences of the two target digits: "2" and "7." In the 10 Automatic Detection trials, the target digits are embedded among alphabetical letters that serve as distractors. In the 10 Controlled Search trials, the target digits are embedded among other numbers that serve as distractors. Correct hits and errors are counted for each trial and serve as the basis for scoring the test. Speed scores reflect the total number of correctly identified targets (hits). Score range: 0 to 300, with higher numbers representing more correctly identified targets within the allotted time (5 minutes)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Ruff 2 and 7 Automatic Detection Speed Score
21.1 percent change in score
Interval 3.87 to 23.17

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Ruff 2 \& 7 Test was developed to measure two aspects of visual attention: sustained attention (ability to maintain consistent performance level over time) and selective attention (ability to select relevant stimuli while ignoring distractors). The test consists of a series of 20 trials of a visual search and cancellation task. The respondent detects and marks through all occurrences of the two target digits: "2" and "7." In the 10 Automatic Detection trials, the target digits are embedded among alphabetical letters that serve as distractors. In the 10 Controlled Search trials, the target digits are embedded among other numbers that serve as distractors. Correct hits and errors are counted for each trial and serve as the basis for scoring the test. Accuracy scores evaluate the number of targets identified in relation to the number of possible targets (n=300), expressed as a percentage. Higher scores represent higher accuracy of target identification.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Ruff 2 and 7 Automatic Detection Accuracy Score
5.2 percent change in score
Interval 1.83 to 7.94

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase, and who had calculable scores

The Ruff 2 \& 7 Test was developed to measure two aspects of visual attention: sustained attention (ability to maintain consistent performance level over time) and selective attention (ability to select relevant stimuli while ignoring distractors). The test consists of a series of 20 trials of a visual search and cancellation task. The respondent detects and marks through all occurrences of the two target digits: "2" and "7." In the 10 Automatic Detection trials, the target digits are embedded among alphabetical letters that serve as distractors. In the 10 Controlled Search trials, the target digits are embedded among other numbers that serve as distractors. Correct hits and errors are counted for each trial and serve as the basis for scoring the test. Speed scores reflect the total number of correctly identified targets (hits). Score range: 0 to 300, with higher numbers representing more correctly identified targets within the allotted time (5 minutes)

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=4 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Ruff 2 and 7 Controlled Search Speed Score
17.3 percent change in score
Interval 14.47 to 25.39

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase, and who had calculable scores

The Ruff 2 \& 7 Test was developed to measure two aspects of visual attention: sustained attention (ability to maintain consistent performance level over time) and selective attention (ability to select relevant stimuli while ignoring distractors). The test consists of a series of 20 trials of a visual search and cancellation task. The respondent detects and marks through all occurrences of the two target digits: "2" and "7." In the 10 Automatic Detection trials, the target digits are embedded among alphabetical letters that serve as distractors. In the 10 Controlled Search trials, the target digits are embedded among other numbers that serve as distractors. Correct hits and errors are counted for each trial and serve as the basis for scoring the test. Accuracy scores evaluate the number of targets identified in relation to the number of possible targets (n=300), expressed as a percentage. Higher scores represent higher accuracy of target identification.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=4 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Ruff 2 and 7 Controlled Search Accuracy Score
2.7 percent change in score
Interval 1.29 to 5.03

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Participant Health Questionnaire 9 is a standardized assessment instrument designed to screen, diagnose, monitor, and measure the severity of depression. Score range: 0 to 27, lower scores correspond to better health outcomes.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Percent Change in Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 Scale Score.
-41.7 percent change in score
Interval -80.0 to -30.77

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Pre-surgery baseline to treatment phase end (up to 197 days)

Population: Subjects who completed all study assessments through the open label treatment phase

The Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOS-E) is a measure of disability and handicap intended for use following head injury. The GOS-E subdivides the upper three categories of the original Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), severe disability, moderate disability and good recovery, into an eight-category scale: 1 = dead, 2 = vegetative state, 3 = lower severe disability, 4 = upper severe disability, 5 = lower moderate disability, 6 = upper moderate disability, 7 = lower good recovery, and 8 = upper good recovery to provide more detailed assessment of the functional effects of the injury. A structured interview has been developed to standardize assignment of an outcome category (Wilson et al. 1998). Increase of 1 point on this scale represents a meaningful change in health outcome.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Treatment
n=5 Participants
Subjects were treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that was be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Number of Participants With ≥1 Point Increase in Glasgow Outcome Scale - Extended Scale Score
2 Participants

Adverse Events

Treatment

Serious events: 2 serious events
Other events: 4 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Treatment
n=6 participants at risk
Subjects will be treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that will be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Infections and infestations
Infection of DBS device
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Nervous system disorders
Syncope
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Treatment
n=6 participants at risk
Subjects will be treated with deep brain stimulation throughout the study, with the exception of a brief, 21 day blinded withdrawal phase that will be undertaken to assess for any possible therapeutic effect. Deep brain stimulation: Delivery of continuous, low-voltage electrical pulses to deep portions of the brain via an implantable pacemaker-like device.
Nervous system disorders
Fatigue
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Nervous system disorders
Headache
33.3%
2/6 • Number of events 2 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Surgical and medical procedures
Wound site bleeding
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Product Issues
Unintended stimulator deactivation
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Nervous system disorders
Gait disturbance
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Neck pain
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Lower extremity pain
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Nervous system disorders
Tinnitus
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Nervous system disorders
Cognitive difficulty
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.
Infections and infestations
COVID-19
16.7%
1/6 • Number of events 1 • 1 year (treatment phase plus continuation phase)
Adverse events are presented in a single group because the study was designed to assess any adverse events during the study as a whole, not whether adverse events were associated with any particular study phase.

Additional Information

Dr. Jaimie Henderson

Stanford University School of Medicine

Phone: +1 (650) 723-5574

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place