Identifying brain networks involved in drug-resistant epilepsy
Official title: Establishing novel properties of dynamic systems models to identify epileptogenic networks in patients with drug resistant epilepsy
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11017819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help people with drug-resistant epilepsy by finding out exactly where in the brain their seizures come from, using advanced technology to analyze brain activity, which could lead to better surgery results for those who need it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $118,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS122927-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy who have not responded to conventional anti-epileptic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy that is well-controlled by medication or those who are not candidates for surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, aiming to improve the identification of the brain regions responsible for seizures. By utilizing advanced dynamic systems models and analyzing intracranial EEG data, the project seeks to uncover patterns and biomarkers that can help localize the epileptogenic zone more effectively. This could lead to better surgical outcomes for patients who are candidates for epilepsy surgery, as it aims to enhance the precision of identifying the areas of the brain that need to be targeted. The methodology involves extensive data collection and analysis, including imaging and EEG recordings, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve surgical outcomes for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, potentially leading to seizure freedom.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced EEG analysis techniques to improve seizure localization, indicating that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarma, Sridevi V. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sarma, Sridevi V.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Single-pulse brain stimulation to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes
A new approach uses single-pulse electrical stimulation to better locate seizure-causing brain regions before epilepsy surgery, with the goal of improving chances of seizure freedom.
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New MRI markers to find seizure zones in hard-to-treat epilepsy
Aims to use advanced MRI measures of brain stiffness and blood flow to better locate seizure regions in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Mapping hidden brain cell changes in drug-resistant epilepsy
This project looks for tiny genetic changes in brain cells of children with drug-resistant epilepsy caused by brain malformations to help guide better diagnosis and treatments.
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Finding seizure-causing brain regions in drug-resistant epilepsy using computer models
This project uses computer models of brain activity to help doctors find the areas that start seizures in people whose epilepsy does not respond to medicines.
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Noninvasive brain mapping to find seizure networks in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy
This project uses noninvasive brain recordings and connectivity maps to help locate seizure-causing networks in children whose epilepsy does not respond to medication.
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Closed-loop implant to target seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in drug-resistant epilepsy
An implantable device will try to find and interrupt seizure-related high-frequency brain waves in people whose seizures don't respond to medicines.
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.