Stopping seizures by controlling brain electric fields
Seizure control by electric field control
A new approach that changes tiny electrical fields around brain cells to stop seizures for people whose epilepsy doesn't respond to medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123470 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to create a device that alters the small electrical field outside brain cells so neurons don't sync up and start a seizure. They will build and test the system using brain tissue in the lab, advanced neural imaging, computer simulations, and live animal experiments. The team will work on preventing neuronal synchronization, making an extracellular voltage-clamp tool for use in living brains, and figuring out how and why the approach works. If these steps succeed, the work would set the stage for future human testing of the technology.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epilepsy, especially those whose seizures do not respond to anti-seizure medications or who are candidates for device-based treatments, would be the likely future candidates.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are well controlled with current medicines or who are not eligible for device therapies would be unlikely to benefit directly from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could prevent seizures before they begin and offer a new option for people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Existing implantable devices that detect and stimulate the brain can reduce seizures for some patients, but this extracellular voltage-clamp approach is novel and so far supported mainly by lab and animal data.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Durand, Dominique M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Durand, Dominique M
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.