Surgery for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy

Surgery as a Treatment for Medically Intractable Epilepsy

Observational National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT01273129

This study is testing how well standard surgeries work for people aged 8 and older with epilepsy that doesn't get better with medication.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH
Locations1 site (Bethesda, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT01273129 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to collect data on patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who undergo standard surgical treatments. It focuses on individuals aged 8 and older whose seizures have not responded to medication. Participants will be screened by neurologists to confirm their diagnosis and may undergo various surgical procedures to remove or modify the epileptic focus. The goal is to better understand epilepsy and its treatment through the data collected during routine care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adults aged 8 and older with drug-resistant epilepsy or tumor-related epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients whose seizures are well-controlled with medication will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce or eliminate seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that surgical interventions can be effective for drug-resistant epilepsy, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:

To be eligible for entry into the study, candidates must:

1\. Be 8 years of age or older with drug resistant epilepsy or tumor related epilepsy.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Candidates will be excluded if they:

1\. Are unable or unwilling to give informed consent, or have a parent able to provide informed consent if a minor, to the research procedures.

Where this trial is running

Bethesda, Maryland

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.
Conditions EpilepsyEpilepsy, Temporal LobePartial EpilepsyNeurosurgeryChildhood EpilepsyFrontal Lobe EpilepsyTemporal Lobe EpilepsyNatural History
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.