Improved motion‑robust MRI for children with epilepsy
Motion and Distortion Robust Diffusion Weighted Imaging Sequences for Pediatric Patients
Testing a new MRI scan method to produce clearer brain maps for children with epilepsy who have trouble staying still.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248317 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works to make diffusion MRI scans more reliable for kids with drug‑resistant epilepsy who need brain surgery. Researchers are using a dual‑echo MRI sequence that creates slice‑level distortion maps to correct motion and geometric artifacts. The corrected diffusion images aim to better show language, motor, and other critical brain regions used in pre‑surgical planning. If successful, the method could shorten or improve scans for children who cannot stay still during long imaging sessions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients with drug‑resistant focal epilepsy who are being evaluated for possible surgical resection and can come in for MRI at the study site.
Not a fit: Children who are not being considered for epilepsy surgery or who cannot undergo MRI (for example, due to incompatible implants) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the method could give surgeons more accurate maps of important brain areas to reduce the risk of losing function after epilepsy surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Early technical studies show dual‑echo approaches can reduce motion‑related distortions, but clinical use for pediatric pre‑surgical mapping is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Afacan, Onur — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Afacan, Onur
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.