Measuring brain responses to small electrical stimulation in people with medication-resistant epilepsy
Characterization and Analysis of Evoked Cortical Responses in Participants With Medication-intractable Epilepsy
NA · University of Michigan · NCT07014592
We will test whether special electrodes and tiny electrical pulses can record brain responses in people with medication-resistant epilepsy who are having surgery to remove a seizure focus.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 5 (estimated) |
| Ages | 22 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07014592 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site project at the University of Michigan uses a novel combination of recording electrodes and stimulating probes placed on or in the brain during clinically indicated epilepsy surgery. Investigators will deliver small electrical pulses and record evoked cortical responses from the implanted electrodes. The work aims to characterize how the cortex responds to these signals to improve localization of seizure-related areas. Participants with permanent electronic implants or medical conditions that prevent safe electrode placement will be excluded.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with medication-resistant (intractable) epilepsy who are recommended for surgical removal of a seizure focus, can provide informed consent, and have no permanent electronic implants or medical conditions preventing electrode placement.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are controlled with medication, who are not undergoing epilepsy surgery, or who have permanent electronic implants or other conditions that prevent safe electrode placement are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help surgeons more precisely identify seizure-generating brain tissue and tailor resections to reduce seizures while preserving healthy tissue.
How similar studies have performed: Electrical stimulation and intracranial recordings have been used previously to map brain responses, but the specific combination of recording electrodes in this protocol is novel and not yet widely validated.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with medication intractable epilepsy who are recommended to undergo brain surgery to remove a "seizure" focus * Can provide informed consent for the study and willing to participate Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a permanent electronic implant * Any chronic medical conditions that prevent safe placement of electrodes
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew Willsey, MD, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Ron Ball
- Email: rmball@umich.edu
- Phone: 734 936-7010
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.
Conditions: Intractable Epilepsy