Using brain stimulation to improve language in children with benign epilepsy
Impact of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on Spike Frequency and Brain Connectivity in Children With Benign Epilepsy With Centrotemporal Spike (BECTS)
This study is testing if brain stimulation can help improve language skills in children with benign epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04325282 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on children diagnosed with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), a common pediatric epilepsy syndrome. The focus is on understanding how interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) affect language and learning abilities, which are often more impacted than the seizures themselves. Participants will undergo TMS treatment while wearing EEG caps to monitor brain activity, aiming to determine if treating IEDs can enhance language skills and if TMS can serve as a viable treatment option for these children.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes who are English-speaking.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of serious neurological problems or abnormal MRI findings may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve language and learning outcomes for children with BECTS.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of TMS in epilepsy is being explored, this specific application for BECTS and its impact on language is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A diagnosis of Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes (BECTS), sometimes called Rolandic Epilepsy. Diagnosis will be based on a history of a focal motor seizure (affecting the face or causing hypersalivation) or a history of a seizure out of sleep AND an EEG with unilateral or bilateral centrotemporal spike waves. * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: * History of prematurity \< 35 weeks gestational age; * History of serious neurologic problems (i.e. history of other seizure disorder other than simple febrile seizure, head trauma with prolonged loss of consciousness, cerebrovascular accident or neuro-inflammatory disease) * Focal deficits on neurologic exam * History of abnormal MRI (with clear gray or white matter abnormality)
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Stanford University School of Medicine — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fiona M Baumer, MD — Stanford University
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.