Scientists zap brains to understand feelings

NCT ID NCT05292183

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study looked at how a tiny, painless electric current to a part of the brain called the amygdala affects how people process emotions. Sixteen adults with epilepsy who already had brain electrodes in place viewed positive, negative, and neutral images while receiving random stimulation. The goal was to map brain function and explore whether this technique could one day help treat memory loss or post-traumatic stress disorder.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: electrical brain stimulation
What this could lead to: If successful, this research could point toward new ways to treat conditions like memory loss and post-traumatic stress disorder by using targeted brain stimulation.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-stage study with only 16 participants, all of whom had epilepsy. The findings may not apply to the general population, and it is unclear if the stimulation will work as a treatment.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Drug Resistant Epilepsy psychiatric disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

REFRACTORY EPILEPSY

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03776, United States

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