This study evaluates whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called Temporal Interference (TI) can reduce epilepsy-related abnormal brain activity and influence sleep-related brain rhythms in adults with focal drug-resistant epilepsy undergoing stereo-EEG monitoring for clinical care. Up to 30 participants will complete stimulation sessions during wakefulness and, when possible, natural non-REM sleep. Brain activity will be recorded using scalp EEG and implanted sEEG electrodes before, during, and after TI stimulation. Some participants may also receive subthreshold direct stimulation through implanted electrodes for comparison. The study aims to determine whether TI can reduce epilepsy biomarkers, alter sleep-related brain activity, and compare favorably with conventional direct electrical stimulation while remaining within established safety limits.
Adult patients with focal DRE who will undergo presurgical evaluation with sEEG
Availability of at least one sEEG electrode inserted into the thalamus for clinical purposes
sEEG performed with the indication to identify one single epileptic focus
Ability to provide written informed consent and comply with the study protocol
None
Duke University
Lead sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator