A new treatment approach for children with functional seizures
Official title: A multi-site feasibility clinical trial of Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT), a mind and body treatment for pediatric functional seizures
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10896980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new therapy called Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) for kids aged 11 to 18 who have functional seizures, helping them feel more in control and reduce their symptoms while also improving their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $530,376 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AT012101-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10896980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 11 to 18 who experience functional seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have functional seizures or are outside the age range of 11 to 18 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel therapy called Retraining and Control Therapy (ReACT) designed for children experiencing functional seizures, which are seizure-like symptoms without electrical activity in the brain. The therapy focuses on enhancing the child's sense of control through mindfulness and habit reversal techniques. By participating in this multi-site clinical trial, children aged 11 to 18 will receive tailored interventions aimed at reducing the frequency of their seizures and improving their overall well-being. The study will assess the effectiveness of ReACT compared to traditional supportive therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the frequency of functional seizures in children and improve their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar therapeutic approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fobian, Aaron D — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Fobian, Aaron D
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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.