Using tDCS stimulation to treat refractory status epilepticus
Official title: Application of Targeting Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Stimulation in the Treatment of Refractory Status Epilepticus
Run by Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing · NCT06344338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a new brain stimulation treatment can help people with severe epilepsy that doesn't respond to regular medications.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Xuanwu Hospital, Beijing Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06344338 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 14 to 80 who have been diagnosed with refractory status epilepticus and can undergo EEG monitoring.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable vital signs, severe skull injuries, or those with implanted electronic devices will 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 study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients suffering from refractory status epilepticus, a severe form of epilepsy that does not respond to standard treatments. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS stimulation or a sham stimulation for up to ten sessions. The study will monitor the patients' responses to the treatment and assess any potential side effects. The goal is to determine if tDCS can effectively control seizures in this challenging patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients with refractory status epilepticus who currently have limited alternatives.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of tDCS in epilepsy is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 14 and 80 year-old with Gender unlimited, * Suitable for EEG monitoring; * Clinical diagnosis of Refractory status epilepticus (status epilepticus that cannot be controlled by two types of antiepileptic drugs and at least one anesthetic); * Informed consent to participate in this study was obtained from the participants or their surrogates Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable vital signs (systolic blood pressure\<90mmHg, heart rate\<60 beats/min, pulse oxygen saturation\<90%); * Having severe skull injury/defect or medical equipment implanted in the head; * Pregnancy; * With any implantable electronic instrument (including pacemakers, vagus nerve stimulators) or metal implanted devices.
Where it's running
-
Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jiaqing Yan, Dr — College of Electrical and Control Engineering, North China University of Technology
- Study coordinator: research centre of Xuanwu hospital Capital Medical University
- Email: liugangqingyi@sina.com
- Phone: +8601083198899
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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.