How different seizure start patterns change the spread of temporal lobe seizures through the basal ganglia
Impact of seizure onset pattern on temporal lobe seizure propagation through the basal ganglia
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11191376
This project looks at how the way temporal lobe seizures begin affects how they spread through a part of the brain called the basal ganglia, aiming to help people with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11191376 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare seizures that begin with different patterns and follow how that activity moves through the basal ganglia using electrophysiological recordings, pharmacology, and imaging in lab models. The team will test how blocking or stimulating specific basal ganglia pathways changes seizure spread and severity. Results will be used to map which circuits help stop or allow seizure propagation. The goal is to link seizure onset patterns to specific brain pathways so treatments can be better targeted.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with temporal lobe epilepsy, especially those whose seizures are drug-resistant or show distinct onset patterns, would be most relevant to the findings of this work.
Not a fit: Patients with generalized epilepsy or seizures originating outside the temporal lobe are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to more targeted, individualized therapies or brain stimulation approaches for people with temporal lobe epilepsy who do not respond to medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies suggest the basal ganglia can influence temporal lobe seizures but findings have been inconsistent, and applying seizure onset patterns to explain those differences is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DEVERGNAS, ANNAELLE — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DEVERGNAS, ANNAELLE
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.