Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Understanding brain emotion processing in epilepsy patients

Official title: Stimulation-Induced Changes in Fronto-Limbic Connectivity Control Regulation of the Emotional Response to Threat

Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05854160 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to understand how people with epilepsy process emotions in their brains to see if new treatments can help improve their emotional health.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2023
Main results expectedFebruary 28, 2026
Study endsFebruary 24, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT05854160 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are individuals with epilepsy who are undergoing evaluation for surgery and have electrodes implanted in specific brain regions related to emotion processing.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are unable to complete the required tasks or do not have the necessary electrode implantation will 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 research aims to explore how emotion processing occurs in the brain by utilizing stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) and direct brain stimulation. The study will involve behavioral tasks related to emotion processing while recording neural activity and applying stimulation pulses to assess their effects. By analyzing the data collected from the electrodes during these tasks, the researchers hope to identify disruptions in the fronto-limbic network that contribute to emotional regulation issues in individuals with epilepsy and comorbid mental health disorders. The ultimate goal is to develop targeted brain modulation protocols for improved treatment outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better treatment strategies for patients with epilepsy and associated mental health disorders.

How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using sEEG and direct brain stimulation is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain networks related to emotion regulation.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\) implantation of sEEG electrodes for SOC epilepsy surgery evaluation
* 2\) cognitive ability to perform simple tasks and to understand instructions
* 3\) implanted electrodes in the amygdala and medial PFC regions
* 4\) competency to understand and sign a written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) an inability to complete the task

Where it's running

  • Epilepsy Monitoring Unit UAB Hospital
    Birmingham, Alabama, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Adam Goodman, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Study coordinator: Rebekah Chatfield, BS
  • Email: joyb3@uab.edu
  • Phone: (205) 975-3477

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.