Tests thalamic brain stimulation strength on brain signals in drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Studies how stimulation strength changes brain signals in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Electrophysiological Dose-Response to Anterior Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Drug-Resistant Focal Epilepsy
Key facts
- Where
- Seoul, South KoreaSee the site
Where in South Korea
- Severance hospitalSeoul, South KoreaNo 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
- Yonsei University
- Trial code
- NCT07912931
- Record updated
- 3 November 2026
- Original description
This prospective, single-center mechanistic pilot study will investigate the electrophysiological dose-response to anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation (ANT-DBS) in 10 adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy undergoing clinically indicated DBS implantation.Read full original descriptionShow less
Electric-Field-Informed Network Engagement, Acute Electrophysiological Dose Response, Chronic Neural Adaptation, and Long-Term Seizure Response to Anterior Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: A Prospective Mechanistic Pilot Study
This prospective, single-center mechanistic pilot study will investigate the electrophysiological dose-response to anterior thalamic deep brain stimulation (ANT-DBS) in 10 adults with drug-resistant focal epilepsy undergoing clinically indicated DBS implantation.
Using local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from implanted sensing-enabled DBS leads, investigators will assess stimulation-induced changes in slow-gamma (20-50 Hz) power. Standardized acute stimulation challenges will be performed at DBS activation (2.0 mA), 1 month after activation (2.0 and 3.5 mA), and 3 months after activation (2.0, 3.5, and up to 5.0 mA, as tolerated). Each amplitude will be tested at least twice against a stimulation-OFF baseline.
The primary objective is to characterize the amplitude-dependent electrophysiological response, with the hypothesis that higher stimulation amplitudes produce greater slow-gamma suppression. Secondary objectives include assessing response reproducibility, characterizing longitudinal LFP adaptation during the first 3 months, investigating associations with electrode location and modeled electric fields, and exploring relationships with seizure-frequency reduction during months 7-12 after stimulation activation.
Inclusion: Age 19 years or older; Drug-resistant focal epilepsy that has not responded to three or more antiseizure medications, with bilateral anterior thalamic DBS using a sensing-enabled device scheduled as part of standard care; Able to cooperate with study participation, repeated visits, questionnaires and tests; Understands the purpose and procedures of the study and provides written informed consent.
Exclusion: Any other medical condition that, in the investigator's judgment, makes participation inappropriate; Implantation planned with a lead or device without sensing capability; Pregnant or planning pregnancy; Unable to understand or cooperate with study procedures.