Disrupting abnormal brain activity to improve epilepsy treatment
Targeting Pathologic Spike-Ripples to Isolate and Disrupt Epileptic Dynamics
This study is looking to help people with epilepsy by finding the exact part of the brain that causes seizures and developing new ways to safely disrupt that area, which could lead to better treatments and fewer seizures for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11001091 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the treatment of epilepsy, a condition that affects millions worldwide. It aims to identify the specific brain tissue responsible for generating seizures, known as the epileptogenic zone, and to develop targeted electrical stimulation techniques to disrupt this tissue. By using advanced methods to record and analyze brain activity, the research seeks to enhance the accuracy of identifying seizure sources, ultimately leading to more effective neurosurgical interventions. Patients may benefit from less invasive treatment options and improved seizure control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy who have not responded well to medication and are considering surgical options.
Not a fit: Patients with well-controlled seizures or those whose seizures do not originate from a localized brain region may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for epilepsy, potentially curing seizures for patients who currently have limited options.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted neuromodulation techniques for epilepsy treatment, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chu, Catherine J — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Chu, Catherine J
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.