Single-pulse brain stimulation to improve epilepsy surgery outcomes
Official title: Single-pulse electrical stimulation to improve surgical outcomes in drug-resistant epilepsy
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11448236 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $598,723 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS146597-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448236 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with focal epilepsy who are candidates for surgical resection and are undergoing intracranial monitoring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not pursuing surgical treatment or those with non-resective treatment plans may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to refine how doctors map epileptic brain networks during surgery planning by using brief electrical pulses and measuring brain responses. It will compare SPES-based biomarkers with existing seizure-related signals and test how these biomarkers can guide other diagnostic tests. The researchers will apply concepts from dynamical systems and control theory to interpret brain responses and improve localization accuracy. The work will be conducted in patients undergoing evaluation for focal epilepsy surgery, within a real clinical setting. Ultimately, the goal is to help surgeons more precisely remove seizure-generating tissue while minimizing impact on function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a higher chance of remaining seizure-free after surgery with fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show SPES can reveal connectivity, but standardized protocols and clinical integration remain limited; this study builds on but extends these findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Rachel June — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Smith, Rachel June
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
New MRI markers to find seizure zones in hard-to-treat epilepsy
Aims to use advanced MRI measures of brain stiffness and blood flow to better locate seizure regions in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
-
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.