Using electrical stimulation on the scalp to treat epilepsy
Official title: Pilot Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Treat Epilepsy
Run by Mayo Clinic · NCT05673915 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 12, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05673915 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or those with rapidly progressing diseases 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 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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High-density flexible microneuroelectrode mapping to guide epilepsy surgery
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RAP-219 for adults with focal seizures
This study tests whether RAP-219 can reduce how often focal seizures happen in adults with focal epilepsy, compared with a placebo.
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Spatial scene memory testing for people with temporal lobe epilepsy having surgery
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RAP-219 in adults with focal seizures
This study tests whether RAP-219 can safely reduce the number of focal seizures in adults with focal epilepsy compared with placebo.
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Probenecid for cluster seizures during presurgical epilepsy monitoring
This trial tests whether probenecid can help control clusters of seizures in people with focal epilepsy during presurgical video-EEG monitoring.
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Long-term daily CB03-154 treatment for focal epilepsy
This extension will try once-daily CB03-154 (up to 20 mg) in people with focal epilepsy who completed the prior Phase 2 study to see if it is safe, tolerated, and helps control seizures over up to two years.
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.