Mapping the anterior temporal lobe in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy

Pre-operative Mapping of the Anterior Temporal Lobe Using Functional MRI Innovative Techniques in in Drug-resistant Epileptic Patients

Not applicable Interventional Central Hospital, Nancy, France · NCT05339438

This study tests a new way to map the brain in people with drug-resistant epilepsy to help doctors find the best spot to operate and reduce risks of side effects.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentral Hospital, Nancy, France Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nancy)
Trial IDNCT05339438 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on patients with drug-resistant anterior temporal lobe epilepsy, which is a common form of focal epilepsy. It aims to utilize functional MRI techniques to accurately map the anterior temporal lobe before surgical intervention, specifically anterior temporal lobectomy. The mapping is crucial for identifying the epileptic focus while minimizing the risk of neurological and cognitive deficits post-surgery. The study also includes healthy volunteers for comparison purposes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with drug-resistant structural focal epilepsy of the anterior temporal lobe who are considering epilepsy surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are not candidates for surgery or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve surgical outcomes for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy by reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing functional MRI for pre-surgical mapping in epilepsy have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult person,
* Person affiliated to a social security scheme or beneficiary of such a scheme,
* Person having received complete information on the organization of the Clinical Investigation and having signed informed consent,
* Person having carried out a preliminary clinical examination adapted to the Clinical Investigation,
* For patients: Person with drug-resistant structural focal epilepsy of the anterior temporal lobe (right or left), candidate for epilepsy surgery (anterior temporal lobectomy),
* For healthy volunteers: Person with no known pathology in the anterior temporal lobe (particularly epilepsy).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to MRI including claustrophobia,
* Uncorrected visual disturbances,
* Person unable to give consent,
* Lack of mastery of the French language or ability to understand instructions,
* Person referred to in Articles 64, 65 and 66 of European Regulation 2017/745: Person of full age unable to consent alone to participate in the Clinical Investigation; Minor; Pregnant or breastfeeding woman.

Where this trial is running

Nancy

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.
Conditions Epilepsy, Temporal LobeCognitive Decline
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.