3D deep brain device to find and stop seizures
3D multifunctional deep brain interface for seizure detection and intervention
A soft, expandable 3-D brain probe designed to find where seizures start and stop them in people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160771 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds a fiber-based, spatially expandable probe that can be placed into deep brain tissue to record electrical signals and deliver localized treatments. The device is designed to cover a large 3-D volume with high detail while minimizing tissue damage compared with current rigid probes. The team plans to combine electrical recording with localized light-based control and targeted drug delivery to detect seizure foci and suppress activity in real time. Much of the work will involve preclinical testing in vivo to prove safety and functionality before any human use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with focal, drug-resistant epilepsy who are candidates for implantable brain devices would be the most likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People with generalized epilepsy, those who cannot undergo brain surgery, or those not suitable for implantable devices are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could allow much more precise detection of seizure sources and immediate, localized stopping of seizures, helping people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Existing treatments like deep brain stimulation and responsive neurostimulation help some patients, but this specific 3-D expandable fiber approach is largely novel and currently at the preclinical stage.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jia, Xiaoting — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Jia, Xiaoting
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.