Home › Trials › NCT03893916
Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60

Comparing MEG and EEG for locating the source of epilepsy before surgery

Official title: MEG Versus EEG HR for the Localization of the Epileptogenic Zone as Part of the Pre-surgical Assessment of Epilepsy

Run by Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT03893916 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a new brain scanning method called MEG works better than a traditional method called EEG to find the source of seizures in people with epilepsy who might need surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bron)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 25, 2019
Main results expectedApril 25, 2029
Study endsApril 25, 2029
Registry record updatedJanuary 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT03893916 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients aged 18 to 60 with drug-resistant partial epilepsy who are scheduled for surgical evaluation.

Probably not a fit

Patients over 60, under 18, or those with contraindications to brain MRI and MEG will not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of MagnetoEncephalography (MEG) versus high-resolution Electroencephalography (EEG HR) in identifying the epileptogenic zone in patients with drug-resistant partial epilepsy. Participants will undergo both MEG and EEG HR to determine which method provides better localization of the brain area responsible for seizures. The findings aim to enhance pre-surgical assessments and improve surgical outcomes for epilepsy patients. The study focuses on patients who are candidates for surgical intervention based on their epilepsy condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate localization of seizure sources, improving surgical outcomes for epilepsy patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated that both MEG and EEG HR have unique advantages in localizing seizure sources, suggesting potential for success in this comparative approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* patients with partial epilepsy for at least 2 years and for whom are decided and planned: either i) a surgical procedure to resect the epileptogenic zone without prior intracranial EEG recording either ii) an intracranial EEG record needed before a possible cortectomy procedure
* Routine scalp EEG revealing known paroxysmal interictal abnormalities (at least 5 points on a 20-minute plot performed less than 2 years before inclusion in the study)
* Patient giving written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* patient aged over 60 or under 18
* patients with contraindications to brain MRI and MEG
* women of childbearing age for whom a urine pregnancy test performed during the first visit would detect a pregnancy

Where it's running

  • Hospices Civils de Lyon
    Bron, France     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ Find more trials like this →
Browse more
Drug Resistant Epilepsy 40Epilepsy 491Hospices Civils de Lyon 264
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.