By InvitationPhase 2

Assessing Covert Consciousness During Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine Sedation: An fMRI Study

United States60 participantsStarted 2026-08-07

Plain-language summary

This research is studying whether mental functions take place during different levels of anesthesia, using a commonly used drug (either dexmedetomidine \[with propofol in some participants\] or ketamine), which shows areas in the brain involved in thinking at different depths of anesthesia. As a result of this study, the researchers expect to gain a deeper understanding of mental function during different levels of anesthesia.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 40 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy study subjects with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-1 status * Right-handed * Body mass index (BMI) less than 30 * Participants will have the experience of playing tennis (or other racquet sport) at least 30 times in their lifetime * English speaking Exclusion Criteria: * Medical contraindication to MRI scanning; are unable to undergo MRI scanning because of possible pregnancy or currently breastfeeding * BMI greater than or equal to 30 * Metallic substances in the body * claustrophobia, anxiety, or cardiopulmonary disease; or have an intracranial structural abnormality on T1-weighted MRI scans * history of allergy to dexmedetomidine, ketamine, propofol, or any components of these medications, eggs or egg products, soybean or soybean products * neurological, cardiovascular, or pulmonary illness * significant head injury with loss of consciousness; learning disability or other developmental disorder * sleep apnea or any severe snoring history * gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn; pancreatitis or a history of pancreatitis, * sensory/motor loss sufficient to interfere with performance of the study * epilepsy/seizure disorder (including a history of seizures) or stroke (including a history of stroke). * history of schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, other psychotic disorder, or any prior adverse psychiatric reaction to ketamine or similar drugs * Participants taking medications that, in the judgment of t…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) response to mental imagery tasks

Timeframe: Up to approximately 130 minutes

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07705022

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-01

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