NCT06975800 · Trustees of Dartmouth College
Effects of Social Feedback on Intracranial EEG
What this study is about
This study aims to assess the impact of social influence on direct neural recordings in human patients undergoing surgical treatment of epilepsy. 24 patients recruited from the Epilepsy Center at Dartmouth Health Medical Center (DHMC) will undergo electrode implantation throughout the brain to localize epileptogenic zones.
View original scientific description
This study aims to assess the impact of social influence on direct neural recordings in human patients undergoing surgical treatment of epilepsy. 24 patients recruited from the Epilepsy Center at Dartmouth Health Medical Center (DHMC) will undergo electrode implantation throughout the brain to localize epileptogenic zones. Patients will be asked to rate their provider's warmth, competence, and other, similar traits associated with care-competency. They will then complete the picture-induced fear and math portions of the multimodal negative affect task (MNAT) during which iEEG is recorded.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Low social feedback
Social information is provided to participants signaling that the upcoming trial will be low in negative affect and cognitive effort.
BEHAVIORAL
High social feedback
Social information is provided to participants signaling that the upcoming trial will be high in negative affect and cognitive effort.
Primary outcome measures
Negative affect ratings
Time frame: Ratings are made 3 to 10 seconds after experiencing each stimulus presented during task performance.
Participants report subjective negative affect after each trial on a well-validated Generalized Linear Magnitude scale (GLMS) with anchors of "No negative affect" and"Most intense negative affect imaginable". Scale is 0 to 100 with higher values indicating more negative affect.
Cognitive effort ratings
Time frame: Ratings are made 3 to 10 seconds after experiencing each stimulus presented during task performance.
Participants report cognitive effort experience after each trial on a well-validated Generalized Linear Magnitude scale (GLMS) with anchors of "No effort" and "Most effort imaginable" . Scale is 0 to 100 with higher values indicating more effort.
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 between 18-65 years of age.
- Patients must have a diagnosis of refractory epilepsy undergoing intracranial EEG recording for clinical purposes.
- Patients with a legal guardian will be considered for participation if they are interested and, in the judgment of the research team, they are capable of performing the cognitive tasks required of the study. In those instances, the patient and their legal guardian will both participate in the informed consent process, with the legal guardian signing the consent form.
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).
Where
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jul 1, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations