How gentle electrical brain stimulation affects brain cells and circuits
Cellular and Neural Network Mechanism of Transcranial Electric Stimulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11195524
Researchers are exploring whether very weak electric fields change how brain cells and networks work to explain why non‑invasive stimulation can alter seizures, behavior, and thinking.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11195524 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have seizures or are interested in non‑invasive brain treatments, this work looks at how the tiny electric fields used in transcranial stimulation influence brain cells and circuits. The team uses mouse models, brain tissue imaging that shows voltage changes across cells, optogenetics to activate specific neurons, and live electrophysiology to record seizures and brain rhythms. They focus on a process called ephaptic coupling—direct electrical interactions between cells—to see if it explains effects like slowing of seizure waves, seizure suppression, and changes in neural oscillations. Results could help researchers design better, more targeted non‑invasive therapies in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, or those interested in future non‑invasive brain stimulation options, are the most likely to benefit from the findings or be eligible for follow‑on clinical trials.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate personal treatment from this project should not expect direct benefit because the work is laboratory‑based and uses animal models rather than offering clinical care now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal how transcranial electric stimulation works and guide safer, more effective non‑invasive treatments for seizures and cognitive problems.
How similar studies have performed: Some clinical and lab studies have shown that transcranial electric stimulation can change brain activity and sometimes reduce seizures or alter cognition, but the exact mechanism remains unproven and linking effects to ephaptic coupling is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DURAND, DOMINIQUE M — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DURAND, DOMINIQUE M
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.