Brain stimulation for epileptic spasms in children and teens
Part of Brain & nervous system clinical trials.
This study compares two types of brain stimulation—deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)—to see which is better at reducing epileptic spasms in children and teens who have not responded to at least two seizure medicines. The goal is to find a treatment that can help control seizures when medications have not worked.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- You must be between 5 and 17 years old (not yet 18).
- You have drug-resistant epilepsy, meaning seizures have not stopped after trying at least two seizure medicines.
- Your main seizure type includes epileptic spasms or tonic spasms, confirmed by an EEG test.
- A parent or legal guardian must give written permission and be able to help with the study.
- You must be able to attend all study visits at SickKids for about 12 months after the study treatment ends.
- You cannot have any metal implants or other reasons that make an MRI unsafe.
- You must not be pregnant, and you must be able to communicate in English for questionnaires.
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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