New MRI technique may spot seizure origins without needles or incisions

NCT ID NCT02304029

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether a special type of MRI that measures sodium levels in the brain can help locate the exact area causing seizures in people with drug-resistant epilepsy. 78 patients who were already scheduled for epilepsy surgery received a sodium MRI scan. Researchers compared the scan results to the actual surgical site and to patients' outcomes after surgery. The goal was to see if this non-invasive method could replace or reduce the need for invasive brain electrode recordings.

What this could mean

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

What this could lead to

If successful, this could provide a non-invasive way to pinpoint where seizures start, helping guide surgery and possibly reducing the need for invasive brain recordings.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study (78 people) testing a new imaging technique. It may not be accurate enough to replace current methods, and results need confirmation in larger trials.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for EPILEPTIC SEIZURES are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

epilepsy focal epilepsy visual epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Marseille

    Marseille, 13005, France

  • CHU Montpellier

    Montpellier, France

  • CHU NICE

    Nice, France

  • CHU Nimes

    Nîmes, France