Recruiting

Testing a brain imaging method for hard-to-treat seizure disorders

Plain-English translation of NCT02531880 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Epilepsy research guide →

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

Researchers are testing whether two types of advanced brain imaging — one using a contrast agent called and another using gadolinium — can help doctors locate where seizures begin in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study will also check whether these imaging methods are safe and helpful for people whose seizures continue despite taking anti-seizure medications.

For about one-third of people with epilepsy, standard anti-seizure medications don't work well enough. Finding exactly where seizures start in the brain can help doctors decide if surgery might help, but current imaging methods aren't always reliable. This trial is testing whether these newer imaging approaches could do a better job of pinpointing seizure sources.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 60 years old
you have been diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy — meaning you've had seizures for at least one year despite trying standard medications, with at least one seizure per month on average
you have had your seizure focus identified through standard clinical testing, EEG recordings, and imaging studies
you are able to give written informed consent and lie on your back for at least two hours
you are enrolled in or willing to enroll in a companion screening study (protocol 18-N-0066)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a brain tumor, stroke, serious head injury, or blood vessel problems on your baseline brain scan
you have severe claustrophobia or cannot undergo an MRI scan safely due to implants like a pacemaker, metal fragments, or other metallic objects
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant within two months (if enrolling in the mangafodipir imaging arm)
you have a history of serious liver or kidney disease, or abnormal screening blood test results
you are allergic to manganese or gadolinium (depending on which imaging arm you would join)

What participation looks like

Participants will start with screening tests including medical history, physical exam, and blood and urine labs. Depending on which arm they join, they will either have an outpatient brain imaging session using gadolinium contrast, or they will stay in the hospital for continuous EEG monitoring while receiving the medication and having repeated brain scans to capture images during or right after a seizure. Both approaches aim to show where in the brain seizures are starting.

Testing a brain imaging method for hard-to-treat seizure disorders

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)