Targeted stimulation of peripheral nerves using electrical fields
Official title: Selective, epineural stimulation of peripheral nerves with interferential electrical fields
Funded at Feinstein Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11050301 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use gentle electrical signals to better target specific nerves, which could help improve treatments for conditions like epilepsy, making them more effective and with fewer side effects for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,718 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS136685-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050301 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals suffering from epilepsy or other conditions that could benefit from targeted peripheral nerve stimulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to peripheral nerve function or those who do not respond to electrical stimulation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method for selectively stimulating specific nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system using interferential electrical fields. By employing multi-contact cuff electrodes, the study aims to enhance the precision of nerve stimulation, potentially improving the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like epilepsy. The approach focuses on delivering electrical currents at slightly different frequencies to activate specific fascicles within multi-fascicular nerves, which could lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects compared to existing methods. Patients may benefit from this innovative technique if it proves to be more effective than current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for conditions like epilepsy, reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted electrical stimulation for nerve activation, suggesting that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Manhasset, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanos, Stavros — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Zanos, Stavros
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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.