Brain-signal markers to predict response to responsive neurostimulation for epilepsy
Electrographic Seizure Pattern Modulation Biomarkers in Responsive Neurostimulation for Epilepsy
This project uses recordings from implanted responsive neurostimulation devices to find brain-signal markers that help people with drug-resistant epilepsy know sooner whether the therapy is working and how to best set the device.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11106023 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have an RNS device for drug-resistant epilepsy, researchers will use the device's long-term brain recordings to look for patterns that appear when stimulation reduces seizures. They will analyze thousands of recorded events and their spectral (frequency) features to identify candidate electrophysiological biomarkers linked to treatment benefit. The team will test whether those biomarkers predict the timing and size of a patient's seizure improvement and develop methods clinicians can use to guide device programming. The goal is to give patients and clinicians objective, earlier evidence that therapy is working so adjustments don't rely only on months of symptom reports.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with drug-resistant epilepsy who have an RNS implant or are planning to receive one and are willing to share their device recordings and clinical seizure data.
Not a fit: Patients without RNS implants—such as those whose epilepsy is not focal or who are not candidates for surgical/device therapy—or those unwilling to share device data are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could let patients and clinicians confirm and speed up effective RNS programming so seizure control improves faster.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators have previously identified candidate biomarkers in RNS recordings, but applying these markers to reliably predict individual patient outcomes remains new and requires validation.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richardson, Robert Mark — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Richardson, Robert Mark
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.