Investigating brain function in epilepsy patients using implanted electrodes

Human Intracranial Electrophysiology

NA · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center · NCT05529264

This study is testing how well different parts of the brain work in people with epilepsy who are getting ready for surgery, by using implanted electrodes to record brain activity while they do memory and attention tasks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment175 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (other)
Locations1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
Trial IDNCT05529264 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study enrolls patients with epilepsy who are undergoing evaluation for surgery and have electrodes implanted in their brains or on their scalps. Participants will engage in daily sessions that test various cognitive functions such as memory, language, and attention while their brain activity is recorded using Human Intracranial Electrophysiology (HIE). The study aims to understand the localization and function of the human brain by analyzing brain signals during specific tasks, alongside other physiological data. This research builds on previous studies conducted at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy undergoing intracranial EEG recording.

Not a fit: Patients with additional neurological or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with the study are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of brain function and improve treatment strategies for epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using similar electrophysiological methods have shown promise in understanding brain function, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Patients with Intracranial EEG: Inclusion Criteria

* Patients must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
* Patients must have a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy undergoing intracranial EEG recording for clinical purposes.

Patients with Intracranial EEG: 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)

Patients with Scalp EEG: Inclusion Criteria

* Patients must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
* Patients must have a probable diagnosis of epilepsy.

Patients with Scalp EEG: 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)

Normal Controls: Inclusion Criteria

* Participants must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
* Participants must be able to provide informed consent for themselves.

Normal Controls: Exclusion Criteria

• Determined not to be appropriate normal control for the study population

Where this trial is running

Lebanon, New Hampshire

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: Epilepsy

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.