Understanding how deep brain stimulation helps control seizures
Deconstructing Antiseizure Mechanisms of Anterior Thalamic Nucleus Electrical Stimulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · EMORY UNIVERSITY · NIH-11172400
This research explores how a special type of brain stimulation helps people with drug-resistant epilepsy reduce their seizures.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | EMORY UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ATLANTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172400 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with epilepsy find that medications don't fully control their seizures, and for some, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of a brain area called the anterior thalamic nucleus (ANT) can help. While ANT-DBS is an approved therapy, it rarely stops seizures completely, likely because we don't fully understand how it works. This project aims to uncover exactly which parts of the brain network ANT-DBS needs to adjust, and how it does so, to achieve its seizure-reducing effects. Researchers will use a mouse model of epilepsy to explore if ANT brain cells are directly involved and if a specific pathway connecting the ANT to another brain region is crucial for the treatment's success.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who currently use or are considering deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nucleus might find this research particularly relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose epilepsy is well-controlled by medication or who are not candidates for deep brain stimulation may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to improvements in deep brain stimulation therapy, potentially offering better seizure control or even complete freedom from seizures for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Deep brain stimulation is an approved therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy, but this research explores novel mechanisms to enhance its effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
ATLANTA, UNITED STATES
- EMORY UNIVERSITY — ATLANTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GUTEKUNST, CLAIRE-ANNE N — EMORY UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GUTEKUNST, CLAIRE-ANNE N
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.