Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Genetic Epilepsies
Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a Surrogate of Pathophysiology in Genetic Epilepsies
This study is testing if a brain stimulation technique can help understand and improve treatments for people of all ages with epilepsy caused by genetic mutations.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Firenze) |
| Trial ID | NCT06284291 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a diagnostic tool for understanding the mechanisms of epilepsy related to genetic mutations. TMS is a non-invasive method that generates electrical currents in the brain to measure cortical excitability and reactivity. The goal is to provide insights that could guide and monitor precision treatments for patients with genetic epilepsy. The study will include children and adults diagnosed with epilepsy of genetic origin confirmed by genetic testing.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children over 3 years and adults diagnosed with epilepsy of genetic origin confirmed by next-generation sequencing.
Not a fit: Patients under 3 years old or those with contraindications to TMS will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with genetic epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: While TMS has been explored in various neurological conditions, this specific application in genetic epilepsy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged \>3 years and adults * Diagnosis of epilepsy with presumed or confirmed genetic etiology. Diagnosis of genetic epilepsy is made by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis * or Diagnosis of primary (non-hemicranial) headache, in the absence of alterations on neuroimaging, and no known genetic condition * Obtaining informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<3 years * Presence of contraindications to TMS: history of head or eye trauma with inclusion of metal fragments, cardiac pacemaker, arrhythmic heart disease, hearing implants, implantation of drug delivery devices, piercings or tattoos with metallic ink. * Pregnancy status
Where this trial is running
Firenze
- Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS — Firenze, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Simona Balestrini, MD
- Email: simona.balestrini@meyer.it
- Phone: 0555662719
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.