Understanding the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in refractory epilepsy
Official title: Localization of the Reward Positivity to ACC
Run by University Hospital, Ghent · NCT04684797 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing how the anterior cingulate cortex works in people with hard-to-treat epilepsy by having them do a virtual maze task before their surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT04684797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years or older with refractory epilepsy who are scheduled for invasive video-EEG monitoring.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive or psychiatric disorders, or those with active substance abuse issues, 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 interventional clinical trial aims to investigate the function of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in patients with refractory epilepsy. Participants will undergo a virtual T-maze task to assess ACC activity during a pre-surgical work-up involving invasive video-EEG monitoring. The study will include two experimental sessions, with the first occurring after informed consent and prior to hospitalization. The findings may provide insights into the ACC's role in task selection and motivation based on reward prediction signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of ACC function, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for refractory epilepsy and related neurological disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has explored the ACC's role in various neurological conditions, indicating potential for meaningful insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Patients with refractory epilepsy * Planned hospitalization at CNM for invasive video-EEG recording with subdural, epidural and/or depth electrodes * Patients have to be able to give informed consent themselves * Imaging after placement of electrodes (CT and/or MRI) has to be available Exclusion Criteria: * Patients known with dementia or severe cognitive and/or psychiatric disorders that makes it impossible for patients to participate in this study * Active alcohol and/or drug abuse
Where it's running
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Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ghent
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alfred Meurs, MD PhD — University Hospital Ghent, Department of Neurology
- Study coordinator: Alfred Meurs, MD PhD
- Email: alfred.meurs@ugent.be
- Phone: +3293326482
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study is testing how sleep affects the connections in the brain's white matter for people aged 14-65 with drug-resistant epilepsy to help improve treatment options.
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One-of-a-kind self‑administered web music therapy for epilepsy
This test sees if daily listening to specific music through a web app can reduce epileptic brain activity in adults with medication‑resistant focal epilepsy who have an RNS implant.
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This study is testing if blue light can make vagus nerve stimulation work better for people with epilepsy who still have seizures despite treatment.
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.