Transcranial Electrical Neuromodulation for Suppressing Epileptiform Discharges

This study examines the safety and feasibility of suppressing epileptic discharges through inducing long term depression of the epileptic focus with transcranial electrical neuromodulation.

One third of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite receiving antiepileptic medication. The application of low frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise for decreasing the frequency of epileptic seizures in drug refractory patients. The mechanism of action appears to be induction of long term depression (LTD) in the targeted cortex by the low frequency (0.5 Hz or 1 every 2 sec) pulses. Unfortunately, the electrical stimulation induced by available TMS coils is limited to the most superficial (gyral) regions of cortex, whereas epileptic foci may occur in sulci, and in deep as well as superficial cortex. The investigators have developed the ability to target currents to specific regions of cortex by aligning source and sink electrodes with flexible subsets of a 256 channel geodesic electrode array. A first step is accurate localization of the likely epileptic focus with 256 channel EEG. Detailed computational models of the electrical properties of head tissues allow optimization studies to select the best pattern of source-sink electrodes for that individual's head tissues and epileptic focus. The goal of the safety and feasibility trial is to test whether one week (5 days) of GTEN treatment can achieve a similar depression of the target cortical region as low frequency rTMS, with the decrease in excitability measured by suppression of epileptic spikes. This safety and feasibility trial has received an Investigational Device Exemption from the FDA for treating 20 patients with focal neocortical epilepsy. Pulsed (emulating rTMS) current sequences will be evaluated. The GTEN system implements a number of advanced technologies that provide improved targeting compared to conventional rTMS or tDCS, including electronics for both pulsed and sustained delivery of current with 256 electrodes; double fault safety circuits; computational modeling of the electromagnetic properties of the patient's head tissue for GTEN targeting with medical grade software; a lidocaine electrolyte that minimizes pain of the pulsed or sustained current with up to 200 µA per electrode (2 mA total); and online safety monitoring for adverse EEG changes with the 256 dEEG array. Based on FDA feedback to date, success with these trials will allow us to progress to a pivotal clinical efficacy trial (with separate funding) to support a de novo 510k approval for GTEN treatment for the temporary suppression of seizures in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 14 to 60.
2. Partial onset seizures (simple or complex) with failure of adequate seizure control after prior use of at least 2 anti-seizure drugs at effective doses.
3. Only one clearly identified and localizable extratemporal focus of epileptiform discharges, as defined the discharges (typically epileptiform spikes) and as identified by dEEG assessment through one or more routine clinical dEEG evaluations.
4. Two or more partial seizures, with or without secondary generalization, in the last month, but less than 10 seizures per day.
5. 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.
6. A history of epilepsy for at least 2 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patient is pregnant or becomes pregnant
2. A history or condition of progressive brain disorders, unstable systemic diseases, symptomatic cerebrovascular disease, cardiac disease, or alcohol/substance abuse.Special conditions, for example, non-malignant brain tumors and vascular malformations, can be considered for entry on a case-by-case basis.
3. A history or condition of status epilepticus or psychogenic seizures (seizures not confirmed by EEG).
4. Presence of a cardiac pacemaker, vagus nerve stimulator, or metal implants in the body (other than the teeth) including neurostimulators, cochlear implants, and implanted medication pumps (screened using the LCNI Safety Screening Questionaire).
5. Previous surgery involving opening the skull.
6. Allergy to or condition contraindicating lidocaine.
7. Unable to express presence of pain or discomfort.
8. Allergy to silver
9. Participating in other competing clinical trials
10. Unable to speak English
11. Unable to knowingly give consent