Mapping brain responses to deep brain stimulation in epilepsy patients
Network Effects of Therapeutic Deep Brain Stimulation
This study is testing how electrical stimulation in the brain affects people with severe epilepsy who already have devices implanted to see if it can lead to better treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05600738 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the acute and short-term cortical responses triggered by thalamic electrical stimulation in individuals suffering from intractable epilepsy. Participants will be those already undergoing neuromodulation therapy with implanted devices such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) or responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The research will focus on understanding how these interventions affect brain activity, which could lead to improved treatment strategies for epilepsy. The study will take place at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with epilepsy who are currently receiving neuromodulation therapy with clinically implanted devices.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have active psychosis or major depression, or have an IQ below 70 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of brain stimulation therapies, potentially leading to better management of intractable epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on deep brain stimulation and its effects, this specific approach of mapping cortical responses to thalamic stimulation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * diagnosis of Epilepsy * undergoing neuromodulation therapy with clinically implanted neuromodulation devices (DBS, RNS) * followed in the outpatient epilepsy clinic Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant women * active psychosis, major depression, or suicidal ideation in the preceding year * Intelligence quotient (IQ) less than 70 as measured by clinical neuropsychological evaluation * Do not agree to share their medical records for research purposes
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sandipan Pati, MD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Sandipan Pati, MD
- Email: Sandipan.Pati@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: 713-500-7925
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.