Understanding brain emotion processing in epilepsy patients
Stimulation-Induced Changes in Fronto-Limbic Connectivity Control Regulation of the Emotional Response to Threat
NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05854160
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
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05854160 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Epilepsy, Mental Disorders, epilepsy, comorbid mental health disorders, sEEG, Anxiety, Fronto-limbic network, Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm