Acoustic Stimulation for Epilepsy

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Anli Liu

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: NYU Langone Health

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The objective of this study is to test the feasibility and physiological effect of low-frequency (1 Hz) acoustic stimulation delivered during nocturnal NREM sleep in epilepsy patients. The long-term goal is to develop this protocol for daily, long-term use in a home setting, for nocturnal seizure and IED suppression

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-60 with epilepsy, who experience frequent nocturnal seizures or disturbances in their sleep due to seizure activity. Participants should be fluent in English, have a good cognitive function (MOCA score ≥26), and not be overweight (BMI <30). They shouldn't have hearing issues, sleep disorders, recent travel across time zones, shift work history before the study, or use certain psychoactive medications.

Inclusion Criteria

I experience seizures at night, at least once a week.

Able to provide informed consent

I am between 18 and 60 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher.

My MOCA score is below 26.

You have traveled to a different time zone within the past month.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Acoustic 1Hz Stimulation (Behavioural Intervention)
• Sham Background Noise (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests low-frequency acoustic stimulation versus sham noise during night-time sleep to see if it can reduce nighttime seizures and related brain activity. The ultimate goal is to create a home-use protocol for people with epilepsy to suppress seizures during sleep.

Participant Groups

Group I: Acoustic 1Hz Stimulation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

1 Hz acoustic stimulation applied via headphones and downloadable phone application during sleep every night.

Group II: Baseline Seizure Monitoring Active Control 1 Intervention

No use of sound system; Patients record seizures in a diary.

Group III: Sham Background Noise Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Background noise applied via headphones and downloadable phone application during sleep every night.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

New York University School of Medicine New York, NY

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NYU Langone Health Lead Sponsor

References