Brain Stimulation and Memory Control in People With Epilepsy
Tests brain stimulation of frontal brain areas in adults with epilepsy and electrodes.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Causal Role of Top-Down Theta Oscillations in Prioritization
Key facts
- Where
- Chapel Hill, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 80 years old?
Source: NCT06252532, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, United StatesNo longer taking part
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 North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Trial code
- NCT06252532
- Record updated
- 19 August 2026
- Original description
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the dynamics between theta and alpha oscillations in the control of working memory. These findings will be informative of what types of brain stimulation are most effective at modulating brain activity. Deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation are used for an increasing number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Participants: Eligible participants are patients who have previously had electrodes implanted to monitor epilepsy (outside of research activity). 50 participants will be recruited, 25 participants for each phase of the study. Procedures (methods): The participants will perform a cognitive control task. During the task, rhythmic trains of direct cortical stimulation will be delivered to the frontal cortex alone or to the frontal and parietal cortex. Electrocorticography will be collected concurrent with stimulation.Read full original descriptionShow less
Modulating Oscillations and Working Memory in Patients With Subdural Electrodes
Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate the dynamics between theta and alpha oscillations in the control of working memory. These findings will be informative of what types of brain stimulation are most effective at modulating brain activity. Deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation are used for an increasing number of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Participants: Eligible participants are patients who have previously had electrodes implanted to monitor epilepsy (outside of research activity). 50 participants will be recruited, 25 participants for each phase of the study. Procedures (methods): The participants will perform a cognitive control task. During the task, rhythmic trains of direct cortical stimulation will be delivered to the frontal cortex alone or to the frontal and parietal cortex. Electrocorticography will be collected concurrent with stimulation.
Inclusion: Able to provide informed consent; History of medically intractable epilepsy; Speak and understand English; For the stimulation session, the participant must have electrodes in the relevant locations.
Exclusion: Current diagnosis of other neurological illnesses including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, brain neoplasm; Major systemic illness; Severe cognitive impairment - diagnosed by clinician in neuropsychiatric evaluation; Severe psychiatric illness; Excessive use of alcohol or other substances; Anything that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study.