Non-Invasive Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Stimulation for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study investigates the effects of non-invasive, low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) on seizure frequency and the epileptogenic network in adults with drug‑resistant epilepsy. Researchers will use EEG and behavioral tasks to observe changes in brain activity and network dynamics during serial LIFU stimulation with target optimization. Participants will undergo brain MRI, wear a headband during treatment, and keep seizure logs across scheduled visits to assess safety and signal for potential benefit. The approach aims to modulate deep brain regions non-invasively and map any resulting neural changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria

* Male or female between 21 and 65 years of age at screening
* Clinical diagnosis of drug-resistant epilepsy with on average, 4 or more seizures per month.
* Able to provide informed consent (or assent when applicable) by the subject or subject's legal representative.
* Be willing to undergo a brain MRI.
* Be able and willing to wear a headband during the treatment duration.
* Be able to complete scheduled visits and daily seizure logs.

Exclusion Criteria

* Has a craniotomy or pathologic intracranial lesion (e.g. vascular malformations) in the trajectory of the focused ultrasound beam.
* Pregnant, breastfeeding, is attempting pregnancy, or unwilling to practice birth control during participation in the study.
* Presence of a condition or abnormality that in the opinion of the Investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or the quality of the data.
* Has any unstable medical or psychiatric disease.
* Any contraindications for completing a brain MRI scan.
* Has evidence of any other clinically relevant neurological disorder at the time of screening, including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis.

Where it's running

• University of California, San Francisco
  San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Joline M Fan, MD, MS — University of California, San Francisco
• Study coordinator: Study Coordinator
• Email: lifu.research@ucsf.edu
• Phone: 4155087069

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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.