Could a zapping cap tame epilepsy seizures?

NCT ID NCT05673915

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a mild electrical current applied to the scalp (called tDCS) can reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. Thirty adults with hard-to-control epilepsy will use a head device for 30 minutes daily over two months. Researchers will track seizure counts and brain wave activity to see if the stimulation helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive, drug-free way to reduce seizures for people with epilepsy.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study (30 people) with no placebo group, so results may not be reliable. It also requires daily 30-minute sessions for 2 months, which may be hard to maintain.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep focal epilepsy generalized epilepsy idiopathic generalized epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic Minnesota

    RECRUITING

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States