Understanding how the brain processes language using advanced neural data

Computational Neuroscience of Language Processing in the Human Brain

NA · Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05222594

This study tests how the brains of people with epilepsy process language by collecting detailed brain data while they perform language tasks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05222594 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the neural mechanisms underlying language processing by collecting high-quality neural data from patients with epilepsy who are undergoing intracranial monitoring. By utilizing behavioral tasks during these monitoring sessions, researchers aim to map the brain's response to various linguistic stimuli. The goal is to bridge the gap between neural data and computational models of language understanding, providing insights into how humans extract meaning from speech. This research could enhance our understanding of cognitive functions related to language.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 85 who require intracranial monitoring for epilepsy and can comply with study protocols.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have clinical indications for intracranial monitoring or who cannot understand or perform the required tasks may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for language-related disorders and enhance our understanding of cognitive neuroscience.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored aspects of language processing, this approach combining intracranial recordings with computational modeling is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* clinical indications to proceed with intracranial monitoring involving the left cerebral hemisphere, as determined by a multidisciplinary epilepsy surgery team
* the ability to comply with test directions and provide informed consent
* between ages 18 - 85

Exclusion Criteria:

* inability to understand or perform the task outlined in the protocol, or who are unwilling or unable to participate

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Language, Epilepsy, language, computational neuroscience, epilepsy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.