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Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Epilepsy
Recruiting
Trial ID: NCT02757547
Purpose
The goal of the present clinical trial is to determine whether low frequency (0.5 Hz) rTMS
can induce long term depression in epileptogenic cortex and thus suppress cortical
excitability at the epileptic focus.
Official Title
Registered Electrical Sources for Effective TMS Treatment of Epilepsy
Stanford Investigator(s)
Robert Fisher, MD, PhD
The Maslah Saul, MD, Professor and Professor, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Failure of adequate seizure control with prior use of at least 2 anti-seizure drugs.
2. at least one clearly identified and localizable likely seizure onset focus, as defined
by the discharges (typically epileptiform spikes) and as identified by dEEG assessment
through one or more routine clinical dEEG evaluations. This focus must be 2 to 3 cm
from the head surface (to be reachable by TMS). Where multiple spike foci are present
and meet these criteria, then the focus with either clinically relevant symptoms or
the most spikes (or both) will be chosen as the target for treatment.
3. two or more partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization, in the last
month, but less than 10 seizures per day.
4. Anti-seizure drug regimen has remained unchanged for the month before study entry, and
there is reasonable likelihood of stability for the duration of the study, with the
exception of allowing short-term rescue medications, such as lorazepam.
5. a history of epilepsy for at least 2 years.
6. age of 22 years and older.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. If of childbearing potential, the patient must agree to use an effective method of
birth control during the study and cease participation if pregnant.
2. Nursing mothers are excluded.
3. A history or condition of progressive brain disorders, serious systemic diseases,
symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, cardiac disease, or alcohol abuse. Special
conditions, for example, non-malignant brain tumors and vascular malformations, can be
considered for entry on a case-by-case basis. Patients are not excluded on the basis
of previous psychiatric hospitalizations or suicide attempts.
4. A history or condition of (generalized) status epilepticus or psychogenic seizures.
5. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, or metal implantation in the
body (other than the teeth) including neurostimulators, cochlear implants, and
implanted medication pumps.
6. Previous surgery involving opening the skull.
7. Unable to express presence of pain or discomfort.
Intervention(s):
device: Transcranial magnetic stimulation - placebo arm
device: Transcranial magnetic stimulation - active arm
Recruiting
Contact Information
Stanford University
School of Medicine
300 Pasteur Drive
Stanford,
CA
94305