Responsive brain stimulation targeting thalamus and frontal cortex for Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome
Thalamocortical Responsive Neurostimulation for the Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
This treatment uses responsive brain stimulation of thalamocortical networks to try to reduce frequent generalized seizures in children with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neuropace, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain View, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11142521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have small electrodes placed on both sides of the centromedian thalamus and on the medial prefrontal cortex and receive an implanted RNS® device that delivers stimulation only when it detects seizure activity. The study enrolls 20 patients in two groups of 10 at six epilepsy centers, with safety checkpoints before the second group is enrolled. Doctors will also use computer models and machine learning to help choose the best electrode locations and stimulation settings for each person. Regular follow-up visits and monitoring will track seizure counts, side effects, and cognitive function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children or adolescents with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome who continue to have frequent generalized onset seizures despite multiple medications and who are surgical candidates for implantable neuromodulation.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are purely focal, who are not candidates for brain surgery, or who have medical contraindications to implantation are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower the number of generalized seizures and reduce injury and cognitive decline in people with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Responsive neurostimulation is FDA approved and effective for focal onset epilepsy in adults, but applying the RNS System to thalamocortical targets for Lennox‑Gastaut is a novel, early-feasibility approach.
Where this research is happening
Mountain View, United States
- Neuropace, INC. — Mountain View, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morrell, Martha J — Neuropace, INC.
- Study coordinator: Morrell, Martha J
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.