Understanding how the brain processes language
Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Language Comprehension
This study tests how the brains of people with epilepsy understand language by recording their brain activity while they read or listen to sentences.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 153 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05283265 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying language comprehension in patients with epilepsy. Participants will read or listen to sentences presented one word at a time while their neural activity is recorded through implanted electrodes. The study consists of two phases: a recording-only phase where behavioral responses are measured, and a task-related stimulation phase where direct brain stimulation is applied. The aim is to correlate neural activity with language comprehension performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are undergoing standard care for epilepsy monitoring.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 years old or unable to competently perform the required tasks will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of language disorders and lead to improved treatments for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain functions related to language processing.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 and older * Undergoing standard of care stereo Electro Encephalogram (sEEG) or Electro-Corticogram (ECoG) monitoring * Able to competently perform control trials of the task Exclusion Criteria: * Age less than 18 years * Unable to competently perform control trials of the task
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthew Nelson, PhD — The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Matthew Nelson, PhD
- Email: matthewnelson@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 2059346717
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.