Methylphenidate for attention problems in adults with epilepsy
Methylphenidate for the treatment of epilepsy-related cognitive deficits: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
This trial checks whether methylphenidate (a stimulant) can help adults with epilepsy who have trouble with attention and focus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11132653 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where some participants receive methylphenidate and others receive a placebo without knowing which they get. The study focuses on adults with epilepsy who report attention and cognitive problems and tracks changes in attention, daily functioning, and safety over the treatment period. There is also an open-label extension where participants can receive the medication after the blinded phase. Researchers will monitor seizures and side effects closely because stimulants can affect seizure risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with epilepsy who are experiencing attentional dysfunction and who meet medical stability and safety criteria for stimulant treatment.
Not a fit: Children, people without attention problems, or those with contraindications to stimulants or unstable/uncontrolled seizures may not be helped or may be excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve attention, daily functioning, and quality of life for adults with epilepsy-related cognitive problems.
How similar studies have performed: Small single-dose, open-label adult studies and pediatric trials suggest possible benefit and acceptable safety, but larger, longer randomized trials are lacking.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- VA Medical Center — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leeman-Markowski, Beth Ami — VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Leeman-Markowski, Beth Ami
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.