Investigating how the thalamus affects seizures and memory
Official title: Human Thalamus in Propagation of Temporal Lobe Seizures and Memory Formation
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11071177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain called the thalamus might influence the spread of seizures in people with epilepsy and how this affects their memory, so if you have drug-resistant epilepsy, you could help us learn more by participating in some brain stimulation tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $580,070 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS137650-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy who are experiencing memory issues related to their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled epilepsy or those without memory impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of the thalamus, specifically the anterior nucleus and pulvinar, in the propagation of temporal lobe seizures and their impact on memory. By examining the connections between these thalamic regions and other brain structures, the study aims to understand how seizures spread and how neuromodulation techniques can affect memory processing. Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy will undergo direct electrical stimulation of the thalamus while their brain activity is monitored, providing insights into the relationship between seizure activity and memory function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, potentially reducing seizures and minimizing memory impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuromodulation techniques for epilepsy treatment, but this specific approach focusing on the thalamus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parvizi, Josef — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Parvizi, Josef
Related research
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This project looks at whether early seizures and inflammation after a childhood stroke are linked to later epilepsy and recovery in kids up to 19 years old.
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Using the brain’s natural connector to detect and prevent seizures
A study at Case Western Reserve University is exploring whether gently stimulating a natural brain pathway called the corpus callosum can help identify where seizures start and stop them from spreading in people with hard-to-control epilepsy.
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Disentangling How Inhibitory Brain Cells Shape Seizures in People
This NIH grant tests how specific brain cells that normally calm the brain influence seizures in adults, using advanced optical methods in living subjects.
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.