Investigating epilepsy and its treatment options
Official title: Investigating Epilepsy: Screening and Evaluation
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT03478852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to better understand epilepsy and improve treatments for people aged 8 and older who have drug-resistant epilepsy by examining their medical history and conducting tests.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years to 110 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 28, 2018 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2037 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2037 |
| Registry record updated | October 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03478852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults and children aged 8 years and older with a known or suspected diagnosis of epilepsy.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable medical conditions or those unable to travel to the NIH may 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 observational study aims to screen and evaluate individuals with diagnosed or suspected epilepsy to better understand the condition and improve treatment for those with drug-resistant epilepsy. Participants, aged 8 years and older, will undergo a series of evaluations including physical exams, medical history assessments, questionnaires, and various tests such as EEGs and MRIs. The collected clinical data will support ongoing NIH epilepsy-related research and help maintain a cohort for future studies. The study also seeks to follow the natural history of epilepsy and related disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success in understanding epilepsy through similar observational approaches, indicating potential for valuable insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Age 8 years or older * Known or suspected diagnosis of epilepsy * Ability to give informed consent or have a legally authorized representative able to give consent (for adults without consent capacity) or parent/guardian able to provide informed consent (for a child) * If unable to give informed consent, ability to give verbal assent EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Patients with unstable medical conditions that, in the opinion of the investigators, makes participation unsafe, or who, in the opinion of the investigators may be unable to comply with the protocol * Patients who are unable to travel to the NIH
Where it's running
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yasser Tajali, M.D. — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
- Study coordinator: Aaliyah M HamidullahThiam
- Email: aaliyah.hamidullahthiam@nih.gov
- Phone: (301) 435-2952
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Surgery for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy
This study is testing how well standard surgeries work for people aged 8 and older with epilepsy that doesn't get better with medication.
-
Levetiracetam to prevent seizures in adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease
This trial will test whether the anti-seizure medicine levetiracetam can prevent tonic-clonic seizures and slow cognitive decline in adults over 40 who have Down syndrome and symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.
-
Wearable device for detecting seizures
This study tests a new wearable device for detecting seizures in people with epilepsy to see if it works well and can help them feel more comfortable in their daily lives.
-
Evaluating a new ultrasound treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy
This study is testing a new ultrasound treatment for people with drug-resistant epilepsy to see if it can help reduce their seizures and improve their quality of life.
-
Investigating factors that lead to epilepsy after a stroke
This study is trying to find out what factors might cause epilepsy in people who have had a stroke by comparing them to healthy individuals.
-
Effects of scopolamine on brain activity related to memory in epilepsy patients
This study is testing if the drug scopolamine can change how well people with epilepsy remember things by looking at their brain activity while they do memory tasks.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.