MiCrobiota-gut-brain Axis in Resistant Epilepsy
Key facts
- Where
- Milan, ItalySee 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 3 and 50 years old?
Source: NCT07010445, who can take part
Where in Italy
- ASST GOM NiguardaMilan, ItalyTaking 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
- Niguarda Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07010445
- Record updated
- 9 April 2026
- Original description
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological chronic conditions with a serious burden on patients, their caregivers, and society. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) heightens this burden. New approaches are thus a priority. Studies in animal models and humans have shown the link between gut microbiota (GM) and the central nervous system in health, neurological conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders. DRE has been linked to GM dysbiosis. Preliminary findings in children with DRE showed GM modifications when responding to a ketogenic diet. The mediator role of GM has not yet been studied in DRE patients undergoing surgery/vagal nerve stimulation.Read full original descriptionShow less
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological chronic conditions with a serious burden on patients, their caregivers, and society. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) heightens this burden. New approaches are thus a priority. Studies in animal models and humans have shown the link between gut microbiota (GM) and the central nervous system in health, neurological conditions, and neurodevelopmental disorders. DRE has been linked to GM dysbiosis. Preliminary findings in children with DRE showed GM modifications when responding to a ketogenic diet. The mediator role of GM has not yet been studied in DRE patients undergoing surgery/vagal nerve stimulation.
CARE's central hypothesis is that the GM and its metabolic profile could contribute to clinical outcomes following these different therapeutic procedures. Identifying microbial biomarkers will enable us to deepen the knowledge of the role of gut-brain axis in epilepsy and to tailor the intervention to each patient based on GM modulation.
Inclusion: 3-50 years old; diagnosis of epilepsy at onset or DRE; ensured participation of the patient or a caregiver; willingness to sign the informed consent.
Exclusion: use of antibiotics, corticoids or probiotics in the previous month; diagnosis of organic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. chronic inflammatory bowel disease); special diets.