Identifying brain activity patterns in children with Smith Magenis syndrome

Development of quantitative EEG biomarkers for Smith Magenis syndrome

NIH-funded research Children's Research Institute · NIH-11094222

This study is looking at how the brains of children with Smith Magenis syndrome work during sleep compared to kids without the condition, to find patterns that could help improve treatments and support for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionChildren's Research Institute NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094222 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on Smith Magenis syndrome (SMS), a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children, characterized by cognitive and motor delays, speech difficulties, and severe sleep issues. The study aims to analyze EEG recordings from children with SMS and compare them to neurotypical peers to identify specific brain activity patterns. By using advanced quantitative methods, the researchers will investigate whether certain brain rhythms and sleep spindles are altered in SMS. The goal is to establish EEG biomarkers that could help in future clinical trials and therapeutic interventions for SMS.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with Smith Magenis syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have Smith Magenis syndrome or are outside the age range of 0-11 years may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and targeted therapies for children with Smith Magenis syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in identifying EEG biomarkers for other neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in SMS.

Where this research is happening

Washington, 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.
Conditions 17p- syndromeAngelman Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.