RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Using Micro-filaments to Detect "fast Ripples" and Improve the Identification of the Epileptogenic Zone

This research is for people with epilepsy that hasn't improved with regular medicines, known as 'refractory epilepsy.' The main goal is to find the exact area in the brain where seizures begin, which doctors call the 'epileptogenic zone.' To do this, the study uses very tiny wires, much smaller than standard ones, that are gently placed inside the brain. These wires are designed to pick up very quick and small electrical signals, called 'fast ripples.' By identifying these signals, doctors hope to pinpoint the seizure-starting area more accurately and efficiently. This could lead to better surgery options for some patients and help us understand the complex brain activity related to epilepsy.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Adrien Peyrache

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2023

Estimated completion

30 Dec 2028

Epilepsy, Refractory

What is this study about?

This study is designed for individuals who have epilepsy that hasn't been controlled by standard medications. This kind of epilepsy is often called 'refractory epilepsy.' For some people with this type of epilepsy, surgery can be a good option if doctors can find the precise spot in the brain where the seizures begin. This study aims to make that process more accurate and quicker.

Currently, doctors often use special wires placed in the brain to record electrical activity and locate these seizure-starting areas. This study introduces a new type of very tiny wire that can detect subtle electrical signals, known as 'fast ripples.' By listening for these specific signals, the researchers hope to identify the seizure-starting zone with greater precision than before. This could potentially reduce the amount of time people need to be monitored in the hospital while waiting for enough seizures to occur to pinpoint the problem area.

Ultimately, if this new method works well, it could lead to better surgical outcomes for some patients by allowing doctors to target the problematic brain area more accurately. It also helps scientists learn more about how epilepsy affects the brain and the detailed electrical pathways involved in seizures. This deeper understanding could pave the way for new and improved treatments in the future.

Key takeaways

Aims to find seizure origins more accurately for people with hard-to-treat epilepsy.
Uses new, very tiny wires to listen to faster brain signals.
Could help make epilepsy surgery more effective for some patients.
Participation involves monitoring during a standard hospital stay.
Helps scientists learn more about how epilepsy works.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have epilepsy that hasn't responded to their current medication. You would also need to be a candidate for a specific brain monitoring procedure called stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG), which your doctor would discuss with you.

Some things might prevent you from taking part. For example, if you have severe mental health conditions or become very agitated during seizures, you might not be eligible. Also, if you can't have an MRI scan (for reasons like claustrophobia, a heart pacemaker, or certain metal implants), you wouldn't be able to join.

Other reasons you might not be able to participate include having an active infection, serious heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Finally, if you are currently taking blood-thinning medication, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have epilepsy that hasn't responded well to medication?
Am I being considered for brain monitoring (sEEG) for my epilepsy?
Do I have any severe mental health conditions or become very agitated during seizures?
Can I have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants that are unsafe for MRI)?
Do I have any ongoing infections or severe heart, lung, kidney, or liver problems?
Am I pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood-thinning medication?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you would undergo a procedure where very small wires, called 'micro-tetrodes,' are carefully placed into specific areas of your brain. These wires are connected to recording equipment that monitors your brain's electrical activity over a period, similar to the standard sEEG monitoring you might have if you were already a candidate for that procedure. The goal is to record new types of brain signals to pinpoint where your seizures start.

This part of the study would take place while you are an inpatient at the hospital for your epilepsy monitoring. There would be no additional visits or medication specifically for this study beyond what your doctors already recommend for your epilepsy assessment. The total duration of your participation would align with the length of your clinical monitoring period.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include the possibility of a more accurate identification of where your seizures start, which might lead to better surgical treatment options. Your participation also helps researchers understand epilepsy more deeply, which could benefit others in the future. As with any procedure involving brain surgery and monitoring, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or other complications related to the placement of the wires, though these are rare. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

McGill University
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'refractory epilepsy'?

Refractory epilepsy means your seizures haven't been controlled well by regular epilepsy medicines.

What are 'fast ripples'?

Fast ripples are very quick, tiny electrical signals in the brain that doctors believe are linked to where seizures begin.

Will this study change my current treatment?

The study aims to *improve* how doctors find where seizures start, which could lead to better treatment options like surgery. It doesn't change your immediate care.

Is the procedure painful?

The wire placement procedure involves surgery, so you will be given anaesthesia to make sure you don't feel pain during it. After the procedure, you might have some discomfort, which will be managed with pain relief.

How long will I be in the hospital for this study?

Your hospital stay will be the same as it would be for standard epilepsy monitoring. The study measurements are taken during that time.

How to find out more

Adrien Peyrache, PhD

adrien.peyrache@mcgill.ca 514-398-6780 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.