Causal Role of Top-Down Theta Oscillations in Prioritization

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Feb 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This early-stage study is exploring how brain rhythms in the frontal and (sometimes) parietal areas help control working memory—the ability to hold and use information for a short time. Researchers will use a brain-stimulation device to deliver rhythmic electrical pulses while participants with epilepsy perform a memory task, and they’ll compare active stimulation to a sham (placebo) condition. Along with memory performance, they’ll record brain signals to see if the stimulation changes how brain networks work together.

Who can join: adults aged 18 to 80 who have epilepsy that isn’t well controlled, can give informed consent, speak English, and have the necessary brain electrodes implanted for stimulation. People with other brain diseases, major illnesses, severe cognitive or psychiatric issues, or substance problems are generally not eligible. About 50 participants are planned, randomly assigned to different stimulation setups, with sessions lasting about 1–1.5 hours over 1–2 days. The study is being conducted at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and is enrolling by invitation. This is research only and not a proven treatment; results will be shared with eligible researchers under data-sharing guidelines once available.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Able to provide informed consent
• • History of medically intractable epilepsy
• • Speak and understand English
• • For the stimulation session, the participant must have electrodes in the relevant locations
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current diagnosis of other neurological illnesses including ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, brain neoplasm
• • Major systemic illness
• • Severe cognitive impairment - diagnosed by clinician in neuropsychiatric evaluation
• • Severe psychiatric illness
• • Excessive use of alcohol or other substances
• • Anything that, in the opinion of the investigator, would place the participant at increased risk or preclude the participant's full compliance with or completion of the study