Using focused ultrasound to reduce seizures in patients with status epilepticus

Acute Effects of Focused Ultrasound Modulation on EEG Behavior in Status Epilepticus Patients

NA · Yale University · NCT05784805

This study is testing whether a new ultrasound treatment can help reduce seizures in patients who haven't responded to regular medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages19 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University (other)
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT05784805 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of Pulsed Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (PLIFU) on patients experiencing non-convulsive or focal motor status epilepticus who have not responded to standard treatments. Participants will receive a 10-minute session of PLIFU targeting specific brain regions associated with seizure activity while being monitored in the ICU. The primary goal is to assess whether this non-invasive technique can reduce or suppress epileptic activity as measured by EEG. The study aims to gather preliminary data to support future larger-scale investigations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with ongoing non-convulsive or focal motor status epilepticus despite treatment with at least two antiseizure medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or have certain medical devices or conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new non-invasive treatment option for patients with difficult-to-treat seizures.

How similar studies have performed: While focused ultrasound is a novel approach in this context, similar non-invasive techniques have shown promise in other neurological applications.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects diagnosed with ongoing NCSE or FMSE despite treatment with at least 2 ASMs
* Provision of signed and dated informed consent form obtained from the next-of-kin/legally authorized representative
* Treated in the ICU while monitored with continuous scalp EEG electrodes

Exclusion Criteria:

* Unable to obtain informed consent
* Presence of an implanted cranial neuromodulation device for treatment of epilepsy
* Pregnancy
* Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within 24 hr
* Presence of burr hole(s) or craniotomy
* Subjects with ferromagnetic materials in the head
* Subjects with a TENS unit

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Seizures

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.