Memory-Boosting brain stimulation study pulled before it began
NCT ID NCT03111290
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study was designed to test whether giving small electrical pulses directly to the brain could improve working memory in people with epilepsy. Researchers planned to use electrodes already placed in the brain for epilepsy surgery. However, the study was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no results are available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Direct Cortical Stimulation (electrical pulses delivered via brain electrodes)
- What this could lead to
- If it had worked, this could have pointed toward a non-drug way to boost memory in people with epilepsy.
- What could go wrong
- The study was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no data was collected. Even if it had run, it was a very early, small study with only 0 participants planned.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Started
-
Jan 2014
- Expected to finish
-
Mar 2017
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 80 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. History of medically intractable epilepsy 2. Capable of giving informed consent 3. Aged 18 - 80 years, either sex Exclusion Criteria: 1. Past or current history of other neurological illnesses including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, brain neoplasm. 2. Major systemic illness 3. Severe cognitive impairment defined as mini-mental state examination of less than 20 4. Severe psychiatric illness 5. Excessive use of alcohol or other substances
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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.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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