Understanding how the brain processes spatial information in epilepsy patients
Official title: Neural Mechanisms of Spatial Representations Beyond the Self
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT05406349 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how the brains of epilepsy patients process spatial information to better understand navigation problems they might face.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 6, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05406349 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 who have undergone depth electrode placement for epilepsy evaluation or have a NeuroPace RNS System implanted.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with DSM-V Axis I and II disorders other than nicotine dependence or a history of brain damage may 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 investigates how the human brain encodes spatial information beyond self-representation, particularly in patients with epilepsy who have electrodes implanted for clinical monitoring. The study will involve two groups of participants: those with temporarily implanted electrodes for epilepsy monitoring and those with chronically implanted electrodes as part of the NeuroPace RNS System. Participants will engage in self-navigation and observation tasks to explore neural mechanisms of spatial representation. The research aims to enhance our understanding of spatial navigation deficits associated with neurological disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapies for patients with epilepsy and related neurological disorders that affect spatial navigation.
How similar studies have gone: While studies have explored self-related spatial information, this approach focusing on social spatial navigation in epilepsy patients is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 70 years of age * Adequate visual and auditory acuity to allow neuropsychological testing * Have undergone depth electrode placement for the purpose of epilepsy evaluation/treatment OR have NeuroPace RNS System implanted for epilepsy treatment Exclusion Criteria: * All DSM-V Axis I and II disorders other than nicotine-dependence * History of brain damage
Where it's running
-
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Matthias Stangl, PhD — Boston University
- Study coordinator: Matthias Stangl, PhD
- Email: mstangl@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-353-0879
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Spatial scene memory testing for people with temporal lobe epilepsy having surgery
This project tests whether a virtual tour memory task combined with brain recordings can show how adults with temporal lobe epilepsy recognize and recall places.
-
Pediatric Epilepsy Brain Mapping and Memory Study
This study tests how the pediatric brain supports memory and decision-making using intracranial electrodes in kids with drug-resistant epilepsy.
-
Sleep-friendly Seizure Risk with Wearable EEGs
This study tests whether a wearable EEG headband can help predict seizure risk related to sleep in adults with epilepsy whose seizures are not well controlled.
-
Mapping Epileptic Networks with MRI and iEEG
This study is testing a new way to use MRI and brain wave recordings to help people with hard-to-treat epilepsy understand their seizures better and improve their chances of successful surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.