Clinical trials are research studies in which people who fit certain brain injury criteria are eligible to participate. The goal of clinical research trials is to answer specific questions, quite often about the effectiveness of a cutting-edge treatment.
Before a clinical research study is allowed to happen, an ethics board reviews the study to determine whether it will take place. People who volunteer to participate and meet the criteria are then made aware of the possible risks and benefits of participation. When all is said and done, it’s up to them to decide whether or not they participate. In some cases, people will receive a fee for participating in the study.
Risks and Benefits
Clinical research trials often study the most scientifically advanced, cutting-edge treatments available. That means that clinical research trials afford the participant a wonderful opportunity to access some of the most advanced treatment, and experience an outcome that might not otherwise be available.
On the other hand, there are no guarantees with clinical research trials. The volunteer may not experience the results he or she was hoping for, and may even experience negative side effects. Volunteers should read all research materials, ask lots of questions, and share the information with their doctor before deciding to participate in the trial.
Finding Clinical Research Trials
Clinical research trials on brain injury are not listed in one place, making locating clinical research trials on brain injury a real challenge. But thanks to today’s technology, one of the best ways to find clinical research trials is by searching the web. Clinical research trials related to brain injury can be found on the following websites:
HYPERLINK “http://www.acurian.com” www.acurian.com. This website allows the participant to develop a personal profile.
HYPERLINK “http://www.centerwatch.com” www.centerwatch.com. CenterWatch lists clinical research trials, and also allows visitors to be notified by email of clinical trials that might fit their profile.
HYPERLINK “http://www.clinicaltrials.gov” www.clinicaltrials.gov. Provided by the National Institutes of Health, the National Library of Medicine, and the Federal Drug Administration, this site lists a large amount of clinical trial both in the United States and in 70 additional countries.
HYPERLINK “http://www.rehabtrials.org” www.rehabtrials.org. This site lists clinical research trials related to rehabilitation.
HYPERLINK “http://www.trialscenteral.com” www.trialscenteral.com. TrialsCentral offers a list of clinical trials, as well as educational material for the potential volunteer.
HYPERLINK “http://www.veritasmedicine.com” www.veritasmedicine.com. This site lists research trials, as well as a notification option that lets the registered user know of compatible opportunities.
HYPERLINK “http://www.cc.nih.gov” www.cc.nih.gov. This website for the Warren Grant Magnuson Clinical Center lists trials funded by the National Institute of Health.