As part of an academic medical center, the Penn Medicine Comprehensive Epilepsy Center combines clinical excellence with cutting-edge scientific discovery. Many of our physicians are also renowned leaders in research to improve treatment for epilepsy. Our history of innovation in epilepsy clinical trials has led to novel diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and implantable devices that improve the lives of people living with epilepsy.
Our involvement in clinical trials gives some patients access to new treatments that are not yet widely available. Clinical trials may also offer options for people who don’t get good seizure control from existing treatment options.
Epilepsy Research Studies
Basic research studies increase our understanding of epilepsy and seizure disorders. Our team publishes many high-impact research studies each year that advance the field. Topics of current interest include:
- High-resolution diagnostic imaging: We are investigating the diagnostic accuracy and precision of the high-resolution 7-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. This imaging device provides the clearest pictures of the brain available. It can help identify lesions or abnormalities in the brain causing seizures that might easily be missed using lower resolution MRI scanners.
- Brain mapping: We are applying advanced neuroimaging techniques and analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) results to map areas of the brain to improve understanding of seizure networks. This research helps to pinpoint the origin of seizures in the brain more accurately.
- Genetic influences: We are studying how specific genes increase the risk of epilepsy. Identifying epilepsy genes can advance the development of effective gene therapies or other gene-related epilepsy treatments.
Epilepsy Clinical Trials
Our program is a global leader in clinical trials and epilepsy research studies that pursue new treatments for epilepsy and seizure disorders. Our work has led to new biomarkers and novel diagnostic tests, surgeries, and devices. We continue to build on this work as we seek ever-better therapies that improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy.
New Epilepsy Drugs
The most effective epilepsy rescue medications enter the brain rapidly to stop an acute seizure crisis. We are researching how quickly new rescue medications—oral dissolvable films, intranasal sprays, and inhaled medications—can reach the brain to stop seizure activity. These advancements are important for people who experience seizure clusters.
We are also pursuing research studies investigating different drug therapy combinations and new medications that more effectively control seizures.
Use of Epilepsy Devices
Devices that more accurately diagnose epilepsy or control seizures can have life-changing implications for people with these conditions. We are constantly searching for better ways to use existing devices and working to invent better options.
- Epilepsy monitoring devices: We are the first and most active site in the United States to study a long-term implantable electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring device. This home monitoring device may be an alternative to existing EEG testing for many patients.
- Noninvasive neuromodulation: We have a particular interest in the effectiveness of noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial cathodal direct current stimulation (tDCS). These treatments aim to control drug-resistant focal seizures without the need for neurosurgery.
- Implantable devices: We are continuing to investigate the effectiveness of three major therapeutic devices already approved to surgically treat epilepsy: vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and NeuroPace responsive neurostimulation (RNS®). We are looking into how these treatments can apply to epilepsy-related conditions.
Find a Clinical Trial
Find a list of active clinical trials at Penn Medicine.