Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 6 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages6 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorMayo Clinic
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 12, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 28, 2026
Trial IDNCT05673915 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

  • Mayo Clinic Minnesota
    Rochester, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.