Understanding how electrical stimulation of the thalamus can reduce seizures
Official title: Deconstructing antiseizure mechanisms of anterior thalamic nucleus electrical stimulation
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10812858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a treatment called deep brain stimulation can help people with epilepsy that doesn't respond to medication, by using mice to understand which brain connections are important for reducing seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $546,626 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS129984-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10812858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy who have not found relief from conventional treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy that is well-controlled by medication may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamic nucleus, a treatment for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. By using a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, the researchers aim to identify specific neuronal networks that are affected by this stimulation. The study will explore how certain neurons contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment and whether specific pathways in the brain are necessary for seizure reduction. This could lead to improved therapies for patients who do not respond to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for epilepsy, potentially allowing patients to achieve better seizure control.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that deep brain stimulation can be effective for epilepsy, but this study aims to explore new mechanisms that have not been fully understood.
Where this research is happening
-
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.