Understanding how brain stimulation affects neural activity and behavior
Official title: Neuronal and Network Mechanisms of Electrocortical Stimulation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10724958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a technique called electrocortical stimulation (ECS) works in the brain, which could help people with epilepsy or brain tumors by improving our understanding of how different brain areas interact and respond to stimulation during surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $4,175,793 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS125026-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10724958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with epilepsy or brain tumors who are scheduled for surgical intervention.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to brain stimulation or those not undergoing surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of electrocortical stimulation (ECS), a technique used to map brain functions and treat conditions like epilepsy. By examining how ECS interacts with different types of brain cells and networks, the study aims to uncover the local and broader effects of stimulation on brain activity. Patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy or brain tumors may benefit from insights gained about critical brain areas and how stimulation can influence their conditions. The research employs computational modeling and experimental methods to test hypotheses about the connectivity and significance of various brain regions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for epilepsy and better surgical outcomes for patients with brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain stimulation effects, but this study aims to provide deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Slutzky, Marc W. — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Slutzky, Marc W.
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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.