Creating a new animal model to study post-traumatic epilepsy
Official title: Validation of a novel animal model of post-traumatic epilepsy
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-11060174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a new way to test treatments for post-traumatic epilepsy in rats, which could help find better options for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX004973-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and are at risk for developing post-traumatic epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or those with other forms of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel animal model to better understand post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), a condition that currently lacks effective treatment options. By utilizing a new approach that modifies the hippocampus of rats, researchers aim to create a more reliable model for screening anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). This model addresses limitations of existing methods, allowing for better control over seizure timing and potentially leading to the identification of more effective treatments for PTE. The goal is to improve the understanding of PTE and enhance the development of targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of more effective treatments for patients suffering from post-traumatic epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that novel animal models can lead to the identification of effective treatments, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Cha-Min — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Tang, Cha-Min
Related research
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Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
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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.