Using electrical stimulation on the scalp to treat epilepsy
Pilot Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Treat Epilepsy
This study is testing if a type of electrical stimulation on the scalp can help people with different kinds of epilepsy have fewer and less severe seizures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT05673915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with focal epilepsy, generalized onset epilepsy, or sleep-related epileptic encephalopathy. The study aims to explore various treatment protocols, including the feasibility and safety of using tDCS at home. Participants will receive either low or high levels of electrical stimulation to assess its impact on seizure control over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with generalized onset or focal epilepsy or sleep-related epileptic encephalopathy who experience at least two seizures per month and have not achieved control with multiple anti-seizure medications.
Not a fit: Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or those with rapidly progressing diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option that significantly reduces seizure frequency for patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that tDCS can lead to a notable reduction in seizures, suggesting that this approach has potential, though further investigation is needed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * Clinical diagnosis of generalized onset or focal epilepsy or sleep-related epileptic encephalopathy. * Estimated to have at least 2 countable seizures per month or spike-wave index ≥50%. * Has not had control with at least 2 anti-seizure medicines. * Able to maintain a constant medication for duration of the study (rescue meds allowed). * Subject or legally authorized representative is able to understand consent and keep a seizure diary in English. Exclusion Criteria: * A disease likely to progress over course of the study. * Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. * Suicide attempt or psychiatric hospitalization past 2 years. * A skin condition interfering with scalp electrodes or allergy to silver. * Women will verify not pregnant, and if applicable, have a serum pregnancy test. * Implanted devices (e.g. pacemakers)-except VNS, which is allowed.
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic Minnesota — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian Lundstrom, MD, PhD — Mayo Clinic
- Study coordinator: Precylla Ruiz
- Email: ruiz.precylla@mayo.edu
- Phone: 507-538-6606
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.