Understanding brain changes in patients with post-traumatic epilepsy
Official title: Neuroimaging Phenotypes of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11229304 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain injuries from trauma might cause epilepsy, and it's for people who have had a traumatic brain injury; researchers want to find out which brain patterns can help predict who might develop epilepsy later on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $221,410 |
| NIH project number | 7K23NS135101-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11229304 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and are being monitored for potential development of epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain injuries from trauma can lead to epilepsy by using advanced neuroimaging techniques. The study aims to identify specific brain patterns and biomarkers that can predict which patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at risk of developing epilepsy. By analyzing data from both injured and uninjured individuals, the research seeks to uncover the relationship between different types of brain damage and the likelihood of epilepsy onset. This could lead to better risk assessment and targeted interventions for those affected.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify individuals at risk for post-traumatic epilepsy, allowing for earlier interventions and improved patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging to identify biomarkers for various neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gugger, James J — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Gugger, James J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Scaling Up Task-Shifted Epilepsy Care for Children in Africa
A study to help children with epilepsy in Africa get diagnosed and receive seizure care through trained community health workers.
-
Closed-loop control of interneuron timing to influence seizures and memory in epilepsy
A study tests a brain-quieting system that uses light to precisely time certain brain cells in epilepsy-prone mice to see if this can lessen seizures and improve memory.
-
Epilepsy Data Ecosystem: A Big-Data Sharing Platform for Better Care
A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
Exploring epilepsy genes in zebrafish to understand human brain seizures
A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
-
New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
-
Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.