Intracranial electrophysiological markers of cognitive functions; v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Intracranial electrophysiological markers of cognitive functions
IRAS ID
365222
Contact name
Darya Frank
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
8 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Our ability to perceive, remember, and navigate our day-to-day lives depends on precisely coordinated activity across brain networks. Brain imaging studies have shown which regions are involved in different cognitive processes, but how neural activity patterns shift across different task phases and cognitive demands remains poorly understood. This study aims to address that gap by examining electrical activity in the hippocampus, a brain region central to memory, during a range of cognitive tasks. Findings will help clarify how brain activity supports everyday cognition.
We will invite 80 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy (epilepsy that has not responded to medication) who are already undergoing intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) monitoring as part of their routine clinical care. iEEG involves the temporary placement of electrodes inside the skull to record brain activity, and is used by clinicians to identify the source of seizures before possible surgery. Because these electrodes are already in place for medical reasons, they offer a rare opportunity to record brain activity at high precision during cognitive tasks, without any additional procedures.
The study will take place at Northern Care Alliance (Salford Royal Hospital). Each participant will be invited to complete up to five short task sessions during their existing hospital admission, with each session lasting around 45 minutes. The tasks involve looking at images, paying attention to stimuli, remembering items, and learning simple spatial layouts on a computer. Participation is voluntary, does not alter clinical care, and can be stopped at any time.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/YH/0132
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion