New MRI markers to find seizure zones in hard-to-treat epilepsy
Official title: Quantifying Biomechanical and Perfusion Abnormalities in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Novel MR Imaging Markers of Seizure Foci and Underlying Gliosis
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11432253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use advanced MRI measures of brain stiffness and blood flow to better locate seizure regions in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $646,706 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS150462-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with drug-resistant epilepsy being evaluated for surgical treatment or advanced imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose seizures are not related to focal brain regions or who are not surgical candidates may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
For patients with difficult-to-treat epilepsy, this project tests new MRI techniques that measure how stiff brain tissue is and how blood flows. It focuses on reactive astrocyte activity as a potential driver of seizures and uses non-invasive methods like magnetic resonance elastography and arterial spin labeling. If these markers reliably identify the epileptogenic zone, surgeons could plan more effective resections, laser ablations, or neuromodulation strategies. The work is designed to directly inform clinical decisions and improve surgical outcomes for patients who currently face limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the imaging markers could improve accuracy in locating seizure tissue and enable better surgical planning, potentially reducing seizures and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies suggest that combining biomechanical and perfusion MRI markers can reveal tissue changes associated with epilepsy, but this approach remains under active development.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balchandani, Priti — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Balchandani, Priti
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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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.
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Improving care for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
This study is all about creating a helpful mobile app that makes it easier for people with drug-resistant epilepsy to share what matters most to them with their doctors, like their mental health and daily life, so they can work together to improve their overall care.
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.