Zapping the brain to fight seizure blackouts: a new hope for epilepsy
NCT ID NCT04897776
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether stimulating a deep brain area (the central thalamus) could help people with temporal lobe epilepsy stay conscious during seizures. Five participants received implanted electrodes that delivered stimulation when a seizure was detected. The goal was not to stop the seizure, but to reduce or prevent the loss of awareness that often accompanies it.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Central thalamic stimulation device
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a way to help people with epilepsy stay conscious during seizures, improving their safety and daily life.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early study with only 5 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure involves brain surgery, which carries risks like infection or bleeding.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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 EPILEPSY, TEMPORAL LOBE are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States
-
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
-
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States