Understanding brain signals to predict epilepsy
Official title: New approach for identification pHFO networks to predict epileptogenesis
Funded at University of North Texas · NIH-11113870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research aims to understand specific brain signals that could help predict when epilepsy might develop, especially for people who don't respond to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Texas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Denton, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $180,025 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS131108-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is for anyone interested in the future prevention and treatment of epilepsy, particularly those with difficult-to-treat forms of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical participation will not find a benefit from this early-stage, basic science research.
What this research studies
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder, and many patients find that existing treatments don't work for them. We know that epilepsy often involves widespread brain network problems, not just one small area. This project focuses on studying special brain signals called pathological high-frequency oscillations (pHFOs), which are like biological markers for epilepsy development. By looking at how these signals connect and form networks in the brain, we hope to better understand how epilepsy starts. This knowledge could lead to new ways to prevent or cure epilepsy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict and prevent epilepsy, especially for patients who currently have limited treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of pHFOs as biomarkers is emerging, this specific approach to mapping their network topology for predicting epileptogenesis is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Texas
Denton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Lin — University of North Texas
- Study coordinator: Li, Lin
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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.