Finding the Brain Area Causing Seizures for Epilepsy Surgery

Seizure localization for epilepsy surgery using high frequency electrophysiological markers

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · NIH-11371574

This project aims to improve how doctors find the exact brain area causing seizures in people with severe epilepsy who are considering surgery.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11371574 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

For people with severe epilepsy whose seizures don't respond to medication, surgery to remove the seizure-causing brain tissue can be an option. Before surgery, doctors often place electrodes directly into the brain to record electrical activity and pinpoint where seizures start. This project is exploring a new way to identify these seizure-generating areas using special electrical signals called high frequency oscillations, or HFOs. By better locating these areas, we hope to make epilepsy surgery more successful and reduce the number of patients who still have seizures afterward.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with severe epilepsy who are considering or undergoing surgery because their seizures are not controlled by medication.

Not a fit: Patients whose seizures are well-controlled by medication or who are not candidates for epilepsy surgery may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate epilepsy surgeries, potentially increasing the number of patients who become seizure-free.

How similar studies have performed: While high frequency oscillations are a promising marker, this project aims to refine their use for more precise seizure localization in surgical planning.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.