Understanding Brain Activity in Epilepsy to Improve Seizure Control
Characterizing High Frequency Oscillations as an epilepsy biomarker with Big Data tools
This project uses advanced computer methods to better understand specific brain signals in people with epilepsy, hoping to find new ways to manage seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11019840 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Epilepsy is a common condition, but many people still experience uncontrolled seizures because we don't fully understand how seizures start. This project focuses on tiny, fast brain signals called High Frequency Oscillations (HFOs), which may be important clues to seizure activity. While these signals are promising, doctors currently find them hard to identify and use in patient care. Our goal is to use powerful computer tools to make HFOs easier to find, figure out which ones are truly linked to epilepsy, and learn how to use this information to improve treatment for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research primarily uses existing data from patients with epilepsy who have had brain activity monitored, rather than recruiting new participants for direct intervention.
Not a fit: Patients whose epilepsy is already well-controlled with current treatments may not see direct immediate benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways for doctors to identify and treat the source of seizures, potentially improving seizure control for many patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has successfully developed and validated an algorithm to detect these brain signals, paving the way for this next phase of clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stacey, William Charles — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Stacey, William Charles
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.