Brain Stimulation for Memory Impairments in Epilepsy (MEMREINS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+11 other locations

Overseen ByMichael Kahana, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this research is to understand biomarkers of human memory through correlational analyses and to use focal electrical stimulation as a causal manipulation to understand how biomarkers of memory relate to other brain states and behavioral measures.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy who are already scheduled to have brain monitoring. Participants should be able to perform memory tests and give informed consent. It's not suitable for those with cognitive or physical disabilities affecting task performance, psychiatric conditions impacting consent, other serious medical issues, or pregnant women.

Inclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for brain monitoring due to hard-to-treat epilepsy.

Exclusion Criteria

I have memory issues that may affect my participation in tests.

My physical disability does not affect my ability to think or understand.

Participant Groups

The study uses direct electrical brain stimulation during verbal and spatial memory tasks to understand how the brain processes memories. This research involves multiple sites working together and participants will undergo experiments while being monitored.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Direct Electrical StimulationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Stimulation will be applied concurrently with the task, if applicable, and stimulation trials will be interleaved with sham trials, where no stimulation is delivered.