Optimizing brain stimulation for epilepsy surgery planning

A Study of the Effect of Intracerebral Electrical Stimulation on the Optimisation of Presurgical Planning in Drug-refractory Partial Epilepsy (StiMiC)

NA · University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT03738072

This study is testing if using special brain stimulation techniques can help doctors better plan surgery for patients with epilepsy who don’t respond to medication.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages12 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse (other)
Locations1 site (Toulouse)
Trial IDNCT03738072 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of intracerebral electrical stimulation to improve presurgical planning for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy. Patients undergoing stereo-electro-encephalography (SEEG) will receive standard stimulation frequencies alongside new frequencies based on their seizure characteristics and brain physiology. The goal is to determine if these additional frequencies enhance the identification of the seizure onset zone, which is crucial for effective surgical intervention. The study will compare the effectiveness of standard and research stimulation conditions in mapping seizure activity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 12 to 65 years who are undergoing SEEG for drug-refractory epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 12 to 65 years or those who do not require SEEG may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more precise surgical planning and better outcomes for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of electrical stimulation in epilepsy management is established, the exploration of a broader range of stimulation frequencies is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* all patients undergoing a stereo-electro-encephalography (SEEG), age 12 to 65 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

* usual excluding criteria for a SEEG.

Where this trial is running

Toulouse

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Epilepsy, Electrical Brain stimulation, Neurosurgery, stereo-electro-encephalography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.