# Seizure control by electric field control

> **NIH NIH R01** · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $384,083

## Abstract

Abstract
A seizure is an abnormal neural activity in the brain and the main characteristic of epilepsy. About one-third of
the patients have seizures resistant to anti-epileptic medication and therefore, an alternative treatment is
necessary. Recent studies show that neurons can be recruited and seizures can propagate by a mechanism
known as electric field coupling. Our laboratory has shown that canceling the electric field in the extracellular
space can prevent neural propagation and recruitment. We now propose to develop a novel neurotechnology
that not only can control the propagation of seizures but prevent the seizure from being generated by controlling
the extracellular electric field. With a combined methodology of in-vitro electrophysiology with state-of-the-art
neural imaging, computer modeling and in-vivo preparations in rodents, we will implement the seizure control
system and study its mechanism with four specific aims: 1) Prevent neuronal synchronization in hyperexcitable
neural tissue, 2) Develop a novel technology of extracellular voltage clamp to control seizures in-vivo, 3)
Determine the mechanisms of seizure control by an extracellular voltage clamp system, 4) Determine the role of
the extracellular space in the clamping efficiency. Current electrical responsive control therapy detects a seizure
and then applies stimulation. The proposed neurotechnology will prevent the synchronization between neurons
to stop the generation of seizures before they arise at very low current amplitude thereby providing a novel
therapeutic paradigm for treating epilepsy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10365510
- **Project number:** 1R01NS121084-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** DOMINIQUE M DURAND
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $384,083
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-30 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10365510

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10365510, Seizure control by electric field control (1R01NS121084-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10365510. Licensed CC0.

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