Non-invasive brain stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy
Official title: Noninvasive Temporal Interference Stimulation for the Treatment of Drug Resistant Epilepsy
Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT06708143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique for people aged 6-60 with drug-resistant epilepsy to see if it can help control their seizures better than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 30, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06708143 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 6-60 who have been diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy and experience disabling seizures at least twice a month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures, those with implanted electrical devices, or significant cognitive dysfunction 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 prospective study investigates the efficacy of temporal interference (TI) as a non-invasive treatment for patients aged 6-60 with drug-resistant epilepsy. TI utilizes overlapping electric fields to stimulate targeted deep brain areas, potentially offering an alternative to traditional invasive deep brain stimulation. The study will collect clinical and electrophysiological data during and after TI stimulation to assess its effectiveness. By analyzing this data, the research aims to enhance treatment options for individuals suffering from this challenging condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of temporal interference is a novel approach, similar non-invasive brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants are between the ages of 6 -60 years of age. * Patients must be clinically evaluated as having drug resistant epilepsy. * Persistence of disabling seizures at least 2 times per months or greater. * Informed consent signed. Exclusion Criteria: * Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures within 12 months; * Presence of implanted electrical stimulation medical device anywhere in the body (e.g., pacemaker, spinal cord stimulator, responsive neurostimulation) or any metallic implants in the head (e.g., aneurysm clips, cochlear implants). Note: Vagal nerve stimulators are allowed if the parameter remains stable for at least 3 months prior to the screening visit; * Risk factors that would put the participant at risk for intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. (e.g., coagulation abnormalities, etc.) or the need for chronic anticoagulation or antiplatelet aggregation medications; IQ \< 55 or severe cognitive dysfunction, unable to complete the study; Diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder (including progressive Rasmussen's encephalitis, etc.); * Diagnosed with a severe neuropsychiatric disorder such as dementia, major depression (admission to a psychiatric specialty/hospital within 5 years or any suicidal or self-injurious tendencies), schizophrenia, or neurodegenerative disorders; * Diagnosed with other serious physical disorders, internal diseases or severe abnormalities in liver or kidney function; Pregnant, or planning to pregnant within 2 years; Participation in another clinical study within 3 months; Not suitable for enrollment as assessed by the multidisciplinary team of the center.
Where it's running
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Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Liankun Ren, MD — Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing
- Study coordinator: Liankun Ren, MD
- Email: renlk2022@outlook.com
- Phone: +86 13681576621
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Modified ketogenic diet for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy
This study tests whether a modified ketogenic diet can help adults with drug-resistant epilepsy see fewer seizures and feel better overall.
-
Non-Invasive Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
This study tests whether low intensity focused ultrasound can help reduce seizures in adults with drug‑resistant epilepsy.
-
iVEAcare Neuromodulation System for drug‑resistant epilepsy: a feasibility look
This study tests whether the iVEAcare neuromodulation system is safe and can help reduce seizures and improve quality of life in people with drug‑resistant epilepsy.
-
Real-world use of the OneRF Ablation System for epilepsy
This registry collects real-world outcomes and device performance from patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who are treated with SEEG-guided RF ablation using the OneRF system.
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Overnight Temporal Interference Stimulation for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
This study tests whether overnight, non-invasive temporal interference stimulation to the hippocampus can reduce seizure-related brain activity and improve sleep in adults with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy.
-
Biomarkers of Response to SEEG Thermocoagulation
This study tests biomarkers to see if they predict how well SEEG-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation helps people with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.
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.