Detecting thalamus seizures using a Percept deep brain stimulator
Seizure Detection With a Deep Brain Stimulation System
This project will test whether the Medtronic Percept DBS device can reliably detect seizures from the thalamus in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06700356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a two-phase feasibility effort enrolling five adults with drug‑resistant epilepsy who already have a Medtronic Percept deep brain stimulator implanted. In Phase 1 participants undergo inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit (video‑EEG) while concurrent thalamic recordings from the Percept device are collected to calculate sensitivity, specificity, and false alarm rate. In Phase 2 the device is used for chronic ambulatory thalamic sensing and DBS stimulation in the outpatient setting. The study is conducted at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and focuses on validating thalamic seizure detection against the gold-standard inpatient video‑EEG.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults (18+) with drug-resistant epilepsy who already have a Medtronic Percept DBS system implanted and can undergo inpatient video‑EEG monitoring and outpatient follow-up.
Not a fit: Patients without an implanted Medtronic Percept device, those unable to tolerate inpatient monitoring, or those with medical conditions that increase procedural risk are unlikely to benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable reliable thalamic seizure detection that supports better-timed stimulation and potentially improved seizure control for people with refractory epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work on thalamic recordings and responsive neurostimulation shows promising but limited data, so this thalamus-focused sensing approach is relatively novel and exploratory.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must meet all of the inclusion criteria to participate in this study: * 18 years of age and older. * Implanted with a clinical DBS system for epilepsy with brain recording capabilities (Medtronic Percept™ DBS). * Subject or legally authorized representative is able to understand study procedures and to comply with them for the entire length of the study. Exclusion Criteria: All candidates meeting any of the exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from study participation: * Health status or any clinical conditions (e.g., life expectancy, co-existing disease) that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would pose undue risk to undergo epilepsy monitoring unit evaluation for the purpose of seizure characterization. * Women will verify not pregnant, and if applicable, have urine pregnancy test. * Current drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements. * Inability or unwillingness of individual or legal guardian/representative to give written informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic in Rochester — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicholas Gregg — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Karla Crockett
- Email: crockett.karla@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-538-4880
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.