Improving brain stimulation treatments for epilepsy by finding the right patients and timing.
Official title: Optimizing Neuromodulation Therapies for Epilepsy: Identifying the Right Patient, Right Place, and Right Time for Stimulation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11046208 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve a treatment called responsive neurostimulation (RNS) for people with epilepsy that doesn't respond to medication, by figuring out what helps each person get the best results, so you can have a more personalized way to manage your seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,763 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136297-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11046208 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy that does not respond to standard medications, particularly those considering responsive neurostimulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy that is well-controlled by medication or those who do not qualify for neuromodulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of responsive neurostimulation (RNS) for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. It aims to identify key factors that influence how well patients respond to RNS, including brain connectivity, optimal timing for stimulation, and the impact of circadian rhythms on treatment outcomes. By using advanced imaging techniques and patient-specific data, the study seeks to tailor treatments to individual needs, potentially leading to better seizure control. Patients may experience a more personalized approach to their epilepsy management through this innovative research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and personalized treatments for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using personalized approaches to neuromodulation therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rolston, John D — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Rolston, John D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
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-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
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Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.