Georgetown University · PharmacologyThe Seizure Circuit Lab
Patrick Alexander Forcelli · Washington, District of Columbia
Research Focus
Dr. Patrick Forcelli's lab focuses on understanding and controlling seizures in epilepsy by exploring the brain's basal ganglia and brainstem networks. They aim to identify and manipulate specific brain circuits that can suppress seizure activity, which is vital for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. By using advanced techniques like optogenetics and electrophysiology, the lab seeks to uncover new interventions for better seizure control.
epilepsybasal gangliaseizure controldeep brain stimulationoptogeneticselectrophysiologyneurotransmittersbrain networksanimal modelsintricate circuits
Research Aims
3AIM 01Identify upstream regulators in the basal ganglia that contribute to seizure control.
AIM 02Define the midbrain circuits involved in seizure activity and their functional relationships.
AIM 03Examine PPN output targets that mediate protection against different types of seizures.
Skills the Lab Values
optogeneticsin vivo single-unit recordingfiber photometryslicing electrophysiologyanimal behavior analysisdata acquisitioncircuit mappingneuroanatomytemporal lobe epilepsy modelsbrain stimulation techniques
Output against the department
Publications139bottom 39% of dept.279th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.7kbottom 28% of dept.333rd of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.