Testing Brain Stimulation Device for Children With Severe Seizures

Plain-English translation of NCT06924086 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a device called Picostim that uses deep brain stimulation—a type of electrical treatment delivered directly to the brain—to help reduce seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a serious form of epilepsy. Your child would have surgery to implant the device, and then researchers would compare whether turning the device on right away works better than waiting 12 weeks to turn it on. The goal is to see if this treatment can safely help children who haven't responded well to seizure medications.

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is a difficult-to-treat type of epilepsy where children continue to have frequent, dangerous seizures even after trying multiple medications. This trial exists to find out whether the Picostim device can offer children a new option when standard treatments aren't working well enough.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 5 and 14 years old
you have been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome confirmed by brain wave recordings and a history of drop seizures
you have had at least 10 seizures in the past four weeks
you have tried at least two different anti-seizure medications without good results
you are currently taking at least one anti-seizure medication at a steady dose, and your caregiver can keep your medications and diet stable during the trial

You likely don't qualify if…

you have ever had brain stimulation surgery before
you currently have a vagus nerve stimulator device that is turned on
you have had changes to your seizure medications or stopped a special diet within the last few weeks
you have a bleeding disorder or a nickel allergy
you have brain structure differences or medical conditions that would make surgery too risky for you

What participation looks like

You would start with a 4-week observation period where researchers monitor your seizures without any device. Then you would have surgery to place the Picostim device in your brain, followed by a 4-week recovery period. After that, your child would be randomly assigned to either have the device turned on immediately for 36 weeks, or to wait 12 weeks before it's turned on. Throughout the trial, your caregiver would keep a seizure diary and charge the device regularly, with visits to the research team to check how things are going.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United Kingdom

Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London