Temporal Interference Brain Stimulation for Epilepsy
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study evaluates whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called Temporal Interference (TI) can reduce epilepsy-related abnormal brain activity and influence sleep-related brain rhythms in adults with focal drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing stereo-EEG monitoring for clinical care. Up to 30 participants will complete stimulation sessions during wakefulness and, when possible, natural non-REM sleep. Brain activity will be recorded using scalp EEG and implanted sEEG electrodes before, during, and after TI stimulation. Some participants may also receive subthreshold direct stimulation through implanted electrodes for comparison. The study aims to determine whether TI can reduce epilepsy biomarkers, alter sleep-related brain activity, and compare favorably with conventional direct electrical stimulation while remaining within established safety limits.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Birgit Frauscher
Principal Investigator
Duke University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with focal epilepsy that hasn't responded to medication and who are already scheduled for brain monitoring (sEEG) as part of their care. Participants must have at least one electrode in the thalamus, a single seizure focus, and be able to give consent.Inclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Direct Electrical Stimulation
- Temporal Interference Stimulation
Trial Overview
The study tests a new non-invasive brain stimulation method called Temporal Interference (TI) to see if it can reduce abnormal brain activity linked to epilepsy. Some participants may also get standard direct electrical stimulation through implanted electrodes for comparison.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Temporal Interference stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes targeting the thalamus during wakefulness and/or natural NREM sleep.
Temporal Interference stimulation delivered through scalp electrodes targeting the epileptic focus during wakefulness and/or natural NREM sleep.
Subthreshold direct electrical stimulation delivered through implanted sEEG contacts.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Duke University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator
Unbiased Results
We believe in providing patients with all the options.
Your Data Stays Your Data
We only share your information with the clinical trials you're trying to access.
Verified Trials Only
All of our trials are run by licensed doctors, researchers, and healthcare companies.