Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Early Phase 1 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Optimizing brain stimulation for epilepsy treatment

Official title: Optimization of Deep Brain Stimulation Parameters in Patients With Medically Refractory Epilepsy

Run by University of Minnesota · NCT05493722 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if adjusting the settings of brain stimulation devices can help people with hard-to-treat epilepsy have fewer seizures.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Minnesota
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2021
Main results expectedJanuary 15, 2028
Study endsJanuary 15, 2030
Registry record updatedOctober 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT05493722 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with medically refractory epilepsy who already have a deep brain stimulator implanted.

Probably not a fit

Patients with severe dementia may not benefit from this study due to potential cognitive impairments affecting their ability to participate.

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

What this trial studies

This study focuses on improving deep brain stimulation (DBS) parameters for patients suffering from medically refractory epilepsy who are not suitable for surgical options. It aims to enhance seizure reduction by fine-tuning the settings of implantable neural stimulators based on individual patient needs. The research will utilize power spectral density measures to create a platform for personalized therapy adjustments. Through this approach, the study seeks to maximize the effectiveness of DBS in achieving better seizure control.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved seizure control and potentially greater seizure freedom for patients with refractory epilepsy.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in optimizing deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, indicating that this approach may be effective.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* medically refractory epilepsy
* already have a deep brain stimulator in place

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe dementia at investigator discretion

Where it's running

  • University of Minnesota
    Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Robert McGovern, MD — University of Minnesota
  • Study coordinator: Anusha Duggirala
  • Email: duggi008@umn.edu
  • Phone: 612-624-3672

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.