Personalized seizure forecasting for people with epilepsy
Personalized Seizure Forecasting: A Precision Medicine Approach
This project uses saliva chemical changes and brain-device recordings to build personalized predictions of when seizures are likely for people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128733 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect saliva samples and continuous brain recordings from people with an implanted Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) device to look for biochemical and electrical patterns that come before seizures. They will combine those signals with wearable data and clinical information to train personalized forecasting models. The models aim to give a probability of a seizure over a coming time window so you can plan or take steps to reduce risk. Data collection will occur during routine clinic visits and specified sample-collection periods over months.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with epilepsy who already have an RNS® implant and are willing to provide saliva samples, wear monitors, and share device data.
Not a fit: People without implanted brain devices, those unable to collect saliva or wear monitoring devices, or those whose seizures do not show clear biochemical or electrical precursors may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could give people advance warning about higher seizure risk so they can prepare, avoid hazards, or adjust care to reduce harm.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work using brain recordings and wearables has shown promising signals for seizure risk, but combining RNS device data with saliva biochemical markers for individualized forecasts is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zaveri, Hitten P — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Zaveri, Hitten P
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.