Plain-English translation of NCT03868293 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This pilot study is testing a noninvasive treatment called Pulsed Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (PLIFUS) for people with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment uses focused sound waves to gently modulate brain activity and may help reduce seizure frequency. This is an early-stage study to see if this treatment is safe and well-tolerated.
For people whose seizures don't respond to antiepileptic medications, treatment options are very limited. This new treatment is being explored because preliminary research suggests it can safely interact with brain tissue without surgery or pain, offering hope for patients who have exhausted other options.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
If you enroll, you'll have a baseline brain MRI scan, then receive 6 treatment sessions over 3 weeks (two sessions per week, each lasting 1–2 hours). During each session, you'll receive the focused ultrasound treatment. Throughout the entire study, you'll keep a daily log of your seizures for 6 months after your last treatment session. The researchers will use these logs to see whether the treatment helps reduce how often you have seizures.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 19, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Enrollment target
~10 participants
Started
February 2019
Primary completion
March 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in June 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Ellen J Bubrick, MD
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.