NCT05529264 · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Human Intracranial Electrophysiology
What this study is about
This study will enroll patients with epilepsy who are being evaluated for epilepsy surgery and have electrodes implanted in the brain and/or have electrodes on the scalp. Additionally, this study will recruit normal and online controls (participants who do not have epilepsy).
View original scientific description
This study will enroll patients with epilepsy who are being evaluated for epilepsy surgery and have electrodes implanted in the brain and/or have electrodes on the scalp. Additionally, this study will recruit normal and online controls (participants who do not have epilepsy). Participants will be asked to participate in 1 to 2 (30-90 minutes) daily sessions designed to test aspects of human cognition such as memory, speech, language, feeling, movement, attention, sound perception, and emotions. Generally, this will involve working on a computer, looking at pictures or watching videos, and answering questions. Additionally, participants may be asked to be hooked up to additional equipment such as eye tracker, electrical stimulator, heart rate monitor, sweat monitor or other non-invasive equipment. The overall aim of this study is to use human intracranial electrophysiology (the recording of the electrical activity of the human brain) to study localization and function of the human brain.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patients must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
- Patients must have a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy undergoing intracranial EEG recording for clinical purposes. Patients with Intracranial EEG:
Exclusion criteria
- Patient has additional neurological condition (such as stroke or dementia) or a psychiatric condition (such as active psychosis or suicidal ideation) and are deemed inappropriate for the study
- Patients are not able to provide informed consent for any reason (e.g. encephalopathic, experiencing a seizure) Patients with Scalp EEG: Inclusion Criteria
- Patients must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
- Patients must have a probable diagnosis of epilepsy. Patients with Scalp EEG: Exclusion Criteria
- Patient has additional neurological condition (such as stroke or dementia) or a psychiatric condition (such as active psychosis or suicidal ideation) and are deemed inappropriate for the study
- Patients are not able to provide informed consent for any reason (e.g. encephalopathic, experiencing a seizure) Normal Controls: Inclusion Criteria
- Participants must be age 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit.
- Participants must be able to provide informed consent for themselves. Normal Controls: Exclusion Criteria • Determined not to be appropriate normal control for the study population
Where
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jan 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations