Recording and stimulating memory-related brain rhythms during real-world navigation
Neurostimulation and Recording of Real World Spatial Navigation in Humans
This project uses a small implanted brain device to record and gently stimulate memory-related brain rhythms while people with epilepsy move through virtual and real environments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11327845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would take part if you already have a Neuropace RNS brain implant for epilepsy; researchers will record your medial temporal lobe brain signals while you navigate virtual reality, augmented reality, and real-world routes. You'll wear wireless sensors that track body and eye movements so brain activity can be matched to where you are and what you remember. At times the implanted device may deliver brief stimulation to see how brain rhythms change with movement and memory tasks. The team aims to link these brain rhythms to navigation and memory in freely moving people and to explore whether stimulation can modify those rhythms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with epilepsy who already have a Neuropace RNS implanted in the medial temporal lobe and who can complete VR and real-world navigation tasks.
Not a fit: People without an RNS implant, with implants outside the medial temporal lobe, or who cannot safely walk or use VR are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better brain stimulation approaches to improve memory or navigation problems in people with epilepsy and related conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous intracranial studies have linked hippocampal rhythms to navigation and memory, but wireless recording and stimulation during real-world movement is largely new.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suthana, Nanthia W — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Suthana, Nanthia W
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.