New MRI technique may spot seizure origins without needles or incisions

NCT ID NCT02304029

Completed Diagnosis Sponsor: Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

EPILEPTIC SEIZURES

Contacts and locations

Locations

Assistance Publique - Hopitaux de Marseille

Marseille, 13005, France
CHU Montpellier

Montpellier, France
CHU NICE

Nice, France
CHU Nimes

Nîmes, France

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