Exploring brain areas causing drug-resistant epilepsy using advanced imaging techniques

Exploring the Characteristics of Epileptogenic Foci in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Using Multimodal Imaging Techniques: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Xijing Hospital · NCT06557720

This study is trying to find out more about the brain areas that cause drug-resistant epilepsy in adults by using advanced imaging techniques.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorXijing Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Xi'an)
Trial IDNCT06557720 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the characteristics of epileptogenic foci in patients suffering from drug-resistant epilepsy by utilizing multimodal imaging technology. It will prospectively recruit 50 patients aged 18 and older from the Epilepsy Center at Xijing Hospital, collecting clinical baseline data and imaging results. The study will analyze these data to identify key network nodes that may assist in diagnosing drug-resistant epilepsy more effectively.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy and have experienced frequent seizures despite treatment.

Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing continuous seizures or those with severe comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the diagnostic accuracy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, potentially leading to better-targeted treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies utilizing imaging techniques in epilepsy, this specific multimodal approach to characterize epileptogenic foci is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged ≥18 years old;
2. Meet the 2010 International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) diagnostic criteria for drug-resistant epilepsy;
3. Duration of epilepsy ≥2 years, with an average seizure frequency of ≥2 times per month in the 3 months prior to enrollment;
4. Adequate intake of two or more anti-epileptic drugs, with no intervention in the treatment plan during the trial period;
5. Capable of cooperating to complete treatment and related examination items; The patient and family fully understand and voluntarily sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. In a state of continuous epileptic seizures;
2. Complicated with severe infections, cerebrovascular diseases, malignant tumors, and other diseases, accompanied by severe dysfunction of the heart, liver, kidney, or other organs, or with mental disorders, or with uncorrectable hyperglycemia, or 3.patients on long-term use of corticosteroid medications;

4.Pregnant or lactating women; 5.Contraindications for PET, MR, EEG examinations; 6.Patients with examinations (with ferromagnetic metal implants in the body; high fever); 7.Participating in other clinical trials at the same time; 8.The patient or family withdraws the informed consent form.

Where this trial is running

Xi'an

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Drug Resistant Epilepsy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Electroencephalogram

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.