Assessing social influence on brain activity in epilepsy patients
Effects of Social Feedback on Intracranial EEG
This study tests how feedback from patients about their doctors affects brain activity in people with epilepsy who are getting ready for surgery.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Trustees of Dartmouth College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06975800 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study evaluates how social feedback affects neural recordings in patients undergoing surgery for epilepsy. A total of 24 patients, aged 18 to 65, will have electrodes implanted in their brains to localize areas causing seizures. During a one-hour session, participants will rate their healthcare providers on traits like warmth and competence while their brain activity is recorded. The study aims to understand the relationship between social influence and brain responses in a clinical setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with refractory epilepsy who are undergoing intracranial EEG recording.
Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those unable to provide informed consent, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how social factors influence brain activity, potentially improving patient-provider interactions.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of assessing social influence on iEEG is novel, related studies have explored the impact of social factors on neurological conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must be between 18-65 years of age. * Patients must have a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy undergoing intracranial EEG recording for clinical purposes. * Patients with a legal guardian will be considered for participation if they are interested and, in the judgment of the research team, they are capable of performing the cognitive tasks required of the study. In those instances, the patient and their legal guardian will both participate in the informed consent process, with the legal guardian signing the consent form. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient has additional neurological condition (such as stroke or dementia) or a psychiatric condition (such as active psychosis or suicidal ideation) and are deemed inappropriate for the study. * Patients are not able to provide informed consent for any reason (e.g. encephalopathic, experiencing a seizure).
Where this trial is running
Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center — Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tor D Wager, PhD
- Email: Tor.D.Wager@Dartmouth.edu
- Phone: 603-646-2196
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.