Understanding the role of the anterior cingulate cortex in refractory epilepsy
Localization of the Reward Positivity to ACC
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen) |
| Trial ID | NCT04684797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years or older with refractory epilepsy who are scheduled for invasive video-EEG monitoring.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive or psychiatric disorders, or those with active substance abuse issues, may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Ghent, Oost-Vlaanderen
- 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
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.