Identifying the brain region that triggers seizures without observing a seizure.
CRCNS: Following the BOLD lightening at rest strikes the seizure onset zone!
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-10897304
This study is looking for a better way to find the area in the brain where seizures start in kids with epilepsy who don’t respond to medication, using special brain scans while they relax, so doctors can help them with surgery more effectively.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10897304 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to locate the seizure onset zone (SOZ) in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in children. By using a combination of intracranial EEG and functional MRI while the patient is at rest, the study aims to create a biomarker that can accurately identify the SOZ without needing to observe a seizure. The approach involves constructing dynamic network models that analyze how brain activity is generated, which could lead to more successful surgical interventions for epilepsy. This innovative methodology seeks to overcome the limitations of current techniques that rely on static measures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with drug-resistant epilepsy.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have epilepsy or those whose seizures are well-controlled with medication may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve surgical outcomes for children with drug-resistant epilepsy by providing a reliable method to identify the seizure onset zone.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using dynamic network models is innovative, previous studies have struggled with static measures, indicating that this research could be a novel advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOERWINKLE, VARINA — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: BOERWINKLE, VARINA
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.