Clinical trials
Brain clinical trials
Below are recruiting brain clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 2,059 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT04131829RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Brain scan study to predict fluoxetine response in OCD
This study looks at how brain networks change before and after starting fluoxetine (an SSRI antidepressant) in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It also compares these brain scan patterns with people without OCD to help predict who may respond to treatment.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 18–65 - NCT04159662Recruiting
Brain scans to study thinking in schizophrenia and depression
This study uses brain imaging to better understand how thinking works in people with schizophrenia or major depression. Your results may help researchers learn what brain patterns match different thinking and symptoms.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18–60 - NCT04164225Recruiting
Testing how qigong affects brain activity in chronic low back pain
This study looks at how doing qigong may change brain activity and physical symptoms in adults with long-lasting low back pain. It’s mainly to see whether the brain and symptom measures can be identified and tracked after qigong practice.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAges 18–70 - NCT04181684Recruiting
Laser surgery plus targeted radiation for recurrent brain gliomas
This trial studies whether a special laser procedure (LITT) followed by focused, reduced-dose radiation can control glioma tumors that have come back. It may help people with recurrent brain tumors avoid or delay more extensive treatment.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 22 years+ - NCT04198792Recruiting
Finding outcomes after ECMO for heart-related emergencies
This study looks at what helps determine survival and better brain function after people are treated with ECMO, a heart-lung support machine. It may help doctors understand who is most likely to do well after this kind of emergency treatment.
GothenburgAges 16 years+ - NCT04206215Recruiting
Noninvasive brain stimulation for carpal tunnel pain relief
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment can reduce chronic carpal tunnel (CTS) pain, especially when pain spreads beyond the usual nerve area. If you have long-lasting CTS pain that hasn’t improved with standard treatments, you may be able to try this therapy while being closely monitored for safety.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–80 - NCT04212780Recruiting
Testing a smarter DBS system for severe essential tremor
This trial tests an upgraded deep brain stimulation (DBS) system that can “sense” tremor and adjust treatment in a loop. It’s designed for people with severe essential tremor whose tremor is still disabling despite standard DBS and medication.
Gainesville, FloridaAges 21–99 - NCT04219709Recruiting
Study how ketosis affects brain function in adults with type 1 diabetes
This study tests whether a “ketosis” state changes brain function in adults with type 1 diabetes. You may be asked to follow specific diet/food delivery plans and use devices that track glucose, which could help researchers understand how metabolism affects the brain.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–40 - NCT04225975Recruiting
Study brain activity in babies right after birth
This study measures a newborn’s brain activity immediately after delivery. It may help doctors better understand early brain function in healthy full-term babies.
AmiensAges 1 minute–15 minutes - NCT04234880Recruiting
MRI mapping of creatine in muscle and brain
This study uses a special MRI scan to measure chemicals related to energy (creatine and phosphocreatine) in the muscle and brain. It may help researchers build a detailed “map” of these substances, which could support future research on energy and movement-related conditions.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 18–80 - NCT04250493Recruiting
Testing insulin resistance in multiple system atrophy
This study looks at how the body handles blood sugar (insulin resistance) in people with multiple system atrophy (MSA). Results may help doctors understand the disease better and explore new ways to monitor or treat it.
BordeauxAges 30 years+ - NCT04267003Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for thinking and brain chemistry in schizophrenia
This study tests whether a brain stimulation approach can improve thinking (cognition) in people with schizophrenia and how it changes brain electrical signals and a brain chemical called GABA. It may help researchers understand new ways to support thinking and symptoms.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–47 - NCT04267978RecruitingPhase 2
Test drug combination for recurrent brain tumor growth
This Phase 2 study tests whether adding recombinant human endostatin to temozolomide and irinotecan can slow or control recurrent gliomas (brain tumors) after prior standard treatment. It may help by targeting tumor blood vessel growth while also using chemotherapy to attack cancer cells.
BeijingAges 18–70 - NCT04274283Recruiting
Study of brain tumor samples and blood tests
This trial studies newly diagnosed or progressing brain tumors (grade 2–4 gliomas) to better understand the disease using tumor tissue and blood samples. It may help doctors learn which treatments could work best for different tumor types by matching tumor material to blood results.
BirminghamAges 16 years+ - NCT04278118Recruiting
Proton radiation study for non-cancer brain tumor types
This trial tests a radiation plan that gives treatment in fewer, larger “fractions” using proton beams (or sometimes photon beams) for certain non-cancer brain tumor types. It aims to see how well this approach works while keeping side effects manageable.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18 years+ - NCT04296604Recruiting
tDCS brain stimulation to improve thinking and mood
This study tests whether a non-surgical brain stimulation called tDCS can improve “executive function,” which means skills like planning, focus, and decision-making. It is designed for people with several mental health and substance-use conditions, and it may help you if those skills are affected by your diagnosis.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT04296097Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for severe, steady disabling tinnitus
This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (a device that sends controlled signals to the brain) can reduce severe, constant tinnitus that has not improved with usual treatments. It may help lower the loudness distress and improve daily quality of life for people whose tinnitus is especially disabling.
GrenobleAges 18–75 - NCT04297020Recruiting
Checking brain health in breast cancer survivors
This study looks at differences in brain function in people who have had breast cancer, compared with certain people without that history. It’s testing how brain health changes after breast cancer and relates to mood, thinking, and daily functioning.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 35–65 - NCT04303988RecruitingPhase 2
Trial for brain metastases from triple-negative breast cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a treatment for people with triple-negative breast cancer that has spread to the brain. It’s designed for situations where the cancer can’t be safely cured with surgery or focused radiation.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–70 - NCT04322734Recruiting
Blood tests study immune and metabolism markers in neurodevelopment
This study looks for biological “signals” in blood—related to the immune system and metabolism—to better understand conditions like autism and other brain or development-related disorders. It may help researchers find markers that could guide future diagnosis or treatment.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges Up to 18 years - NCT04354077Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for opioid use disorder cravings
This trial studies whether deep brain stimulation (a device that delivers small electrical signals to the brain) can reduce cravings and improve symptoms in adults with opioid use disorder. You may be eligible if you have a long history of opioid dependence and have tried multiple treatment options without lasting success.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 22–65 - NCT04373564RecruitingPhase 4
Tracking brain and movement changes after repeated MRI contrast
This study looks at whether getting the MRI contrast dye multiple times over 5 years affects body movement and thinking skills. It compares people who had the dye repeatedly with people who have little or no exposure, using brain MRI scans and regular mental and movement testing.
Scottsdale, ArizonaAges 18–64 - NCT04390009RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Whole-body PET scans in people with multiple sclerosis
This early study tests how whole-body PET-CT scans can be used in people with multiple sclerosis (and compares with healthy volunteers). It may help researchers understand what the scan can show in MS throughout the body.
Ladera Ranch, CaliforniaAges 25–55 - NCT04396873RecruitingPhase 1
PET brain scan study of inflammation markers in neurodegeneration
This Phase 1 study tests a PET scan to measure inflammation-related changes in the brain using a medication called ketoprofen. It may help researchers understand which people with certain brain diseases could benefit from treatments aimed at inflammation.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–99
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for brain?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 2,059 recruiting brain studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a brain trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a brain trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.