Understanding how electrical stimulation affects brain function
Official title: Biophysical Mechanisms of Cortical MicroStimulation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10711723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how using gentle electrical stimulation on the brain can help improve conditions like Parkinson's, epilepsy, and OCD, and it will involve both people and mice to find the best ways to make this treatment work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $3,360,184 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS132784-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10711723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old suffering from brain disorders such as Parkinson's, epilepsy, or OCD.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain disorders not responsive to electrical stimulation or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of direct local electrical stimulation (DLES) on brain function, particularly in treating disorders like Parkinson's, epilepsy, and OCD. By combining techniques such as single-cell electrophysiology, pharmacology, and computational modeling, the study aims to uncover the biophysical mechanisms behind how electrical stimulation influences neuron activity. The research will involve both human and mouse models to validate findings and explore how different stimulation parameters can optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for various brain disorders through improved electrical stimulation techniques.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using electrical stimulation for brain disorders, but this study aims to provide a deeper mechanistic understanding, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cash, Sydney S — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cash, Sydney S
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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.