Improving brain imaging for children with epilepsy before surgery
Improved 3D EPI for Pre-Surgical Mapping of Epilepsy
This study is working on a new way to take brain scans for kids with epilepsy who might need surgery, making it easier to get clear images even if they move around, so doctors can find and safely remove the problem areas while keeping important brain functions intact.
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-11135417 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the quality of functional MRI (fMRI) imaging for pediatric patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who may require surgery. The study aims to develop a new 3D echo planar imaging (EPI) technique that minimizes the impact of head motion, which is a common challenge in young children during scans. By improving the accuracy of brain mapping, the research seeks to better identify critical functional areas of the brain, ensuring that surgeons can effectively remove epileptic tissue while preserving essential functions. This approach could lead to more successful surgical outcomes and improved quality of life for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients aged 0-11 years who suffer from drug-resistant epilepsy and are being considered for surgical intervention.
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 lead to more effective surgical treatments for children with epilepsy, potentially resulting in seizure freedom and improved neurological function.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in improving imaging techniques for brain mapping, but this specific approach using 3D EPI is novel and has not been extensively tested in pediatric epilepsy patients.
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.