Brain stimulation study of emotion processing in people with epilepsy
Tests electrical brain stimulation and emotion tasks in adults with epilepsy or mental disorders.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Stimulation-Induced Changes in Fronto-Limbic Network
Key facts
- Where
- Birmingham, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit UAB HospitalBirmingham, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Trial code
- NCT05854160
- Record updated
- 23 June 2026
- Original description
The purpose of this research is to better understand how emotion processing unfolds in the brain using stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) and direct brain stimulation. This study will use standard behavioral emotion processing tasks combined with neural recording and direct brain stimulation to assess different aspects of emotion processing. Stimulation pulses during pre and post-test periods will assess the effects of stimulation before and after conditioning, the results of which will be combined with results from the activity of each electrode during the emotion tasks to inform us of the nature of emotion processing in the brain and allow us to devise brain modulation protocols in the future.Read full original descriptionShow less
Stimulation-Induced Changes in Fronto-Limbic Connectivity Control Regulation of the Emotional Response to Threat
The purpose of this research is to better understand how emotion processing unfolds in the brain using stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) and direct brain stimulation. This study will use standard behavioral emotion processing tasks combined with neural recording and direct brain stimulation to assess different aspects of emotion processing. Stimulation pulses during pre and post-test periods will assess the effects of stimulation before and after conditioning, the results of which will be combined with results from the activity of each electrode during the emotion tasks to inform us of the nature of emotion processing in the brain and allow us to devise brain modulation protocols in the future.
Inclusion: 1) implantation of sEEG electrodes for SOC epilepsy surgery evaluation; 2) cognitive ability to perform simple tasks and to understand instructions; 3) implanted electrodes in the amygdala and medial PFC regions; 4) competency to understand and sign a written informed consent.
Exclusion: 1) an inability to complete the task.