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Cognitive Functions in Severe Acquired Brain Injury After Cranioplasty

NCT06895109 · Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING · Type: OBSERVATIONAL · Enrollment: 20

Last updated 2025-08-19

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Cranioplasty is the main reconstructive neurosurgical procedure, performed in approximately 80% of patients who have previously undergone demolitive surgeries in an emergency setting, particularly in the case of decompressive craniectomy . It mainly aims to ensure the protection of brain tissue and improve the aesthetic appearance. Statistical correlation analyses between timing of cranioplasty and neurological recovery are probably in favor of early cranioplasty. Cranioplasty improves motor and cognitive rehabilitation outcomes. However, it carries an increased risk of postoperative complications, such as seizures and infections. Other studies show that cranioplasty performed 3 to 6 months after craniectomy can significantly improve motor and cognitive recovery.

The timing of the intervention plays a fundamental role in enucleating cognitive improvement. In fact, greater cognitive changes have been observed in patients who underwent cranioplasty within 6 months of the injury. Therefore, cranioplasty must be considered a key factor for neuropsychological recovery and should be performed early in order to make the most of the rehabilitation window. In the literature, there are studies that have evaluated how cranioplasty can facilitate cognitive recovery, regardless of timing. In particular, a significant cognitive recovery was observed in the period immediately following cranioplasty, while the improvement stabilizes after a certain period of time and recovery begins to slow down. In patients with severe acquired brain injury (GCA), cranioplasty seems to significantly improve neuropsychological and motor function, even after a long time from the procedure. The aim of the study is therefore to evaluate whether in patients with severe acquired brain injury who underwent cranioplasty in the neurorehabilitation setting there is an improvement in cognitive, motor functions and psychological aspects.

Conditions

  • Brain Injury
  • Neuropsychological Deficits
  • Cranioplasty
  • Cognitive Deficit Following Brain Lesions
  • Craniectomy
  • Brain Injury, Acute
  • Acquired Brain Injury
  • Rehabilitation
  • Rehabilitation Outcome
  • Cognitive Disorders
  • Neurorehabilitation

Interventions

OTHER

improvement of cognitive functions and psychological aspects

To analyze the neuropsychological, motor and functional profile of a sample of patients with severe acquired brain injury, who underwent craniotomy and subsequent opercular reapposition surgery

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS

    lead OTHER

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
90 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-03-18
Primary Completion
2025-05-19
Completion
2026-05-19

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06895109 on ClinicalTrials.gov