Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 6 to 60

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 typeInterventional
Ages6 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorXuanwu Hospital, Beijing
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 30, 2024
Main results expectedNovember 30, 2028
Study endsNovember 30, 2028
Registry record updatedJuly 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT06708143 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

  • Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
    Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.