Brain zaps reveal hidden epilepsy circuits
NCT ID NCT07305311
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study will give mild electrical pulses to a brain region called the piriform cortex in 10 people with drug-resistant epilepsy who already have electrodes implanted for seizure monitoring. Researchers will record how the brain responds, aiming to understand which networks are involved in seizures. The goal is not to treat epilepsy now, but to gather knowledge that could lead to better brain-stimulation therapies in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- single-pulse electrical stimulation (SPES) via implanted electrodes
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new brain-stimulation target to reduce seizures in people with drug-resistant epilepsy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage study (10 people) that only observes brain activity—it does not test a treatment. Results may not lead to a therapy.
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
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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.
- Participants
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About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Dec 2025
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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14 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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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: * The patients were diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy. * The patients underwent stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) implantation for pre-surgical evaluation of epilepsy, with at least one electrode target reaching the piriform cortex * Participants/parents/legal guardian provide informed consent for inclusion Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects that experience surgical complications during the implant procedure will be excluded from the study
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Xuanwu Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100053, China
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