Finding seizure-causing brain regions in drug-resistant epilepsy using computer models
Establishing novel properties of dynamic systems models to identify epileptogenic networks in patients with drug resistant epilepsy
This project uses computer models of brain activity to help doctors find the areas that start seizures in people whose epilepsy does not respond to medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11263641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your seizures don't stop with medication, doctors sometimes record brain signals directly from the surface or inside the brain (intracranial EEG) to find where seizures begin. This research applies dynamic systems and network modeling to large iEEG and imaging data sets so patterns hidden in days of recordings can be found. The team aims to use these models to map the epileptogenic zone more completely than current visual review of a few seizures. Better maps could inform surgery or targeted treatments so fewer operations miss the true seizure source.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with drug-resistant focal epilepsy who are being considered for epilepsy surgery and who are undergoing or may undergo intracranial EEG monitoring are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People whose seizures are well controlled with medications, those with generalized epilepsy that lacks a localizable focus, or those not undergoing intracranial monitoring are unlikely to participate or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help surgeons target and remove seizure-causing brain tissue more accurately, increasing chances of seizure freedom.
How similar studies have performed: Related network-modeling approaches have shown promise in small research studies but are not yet validated as routine clinical tools.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarma, Sridevi V. — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sarma, Sridevi V.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.