Understanding eye movements in children after brain surgery for epilepsy

Characterizing Eye Movements after Pediatric Cortical Resection: Neural Bases and Cognitive Implications

NIH-funded research Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11036252

This study looks at how eye movements change in children who have had brain surgery for epilepsy, helping us understand how their brains recover and adapt after the surgery.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCarnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11036252 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how eye movements, which are crucial for visual processing, are affected in children who have undergone brain surgery to treat epilepsy. By examining smooth pursuit and saccadic movements, the study aims to understand the brain's recovery and adaptation processes following surgery. The research employs a combination of behavioral assessments and imaging techniques to analyze the coordination of eye movements and their relationship to cognitive functions. This is particularly important as it may reveal how the brain compensates for disruptions in its oculomotor networks during childhood.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have undergone or are scheduled for pediatric cortical resection due to drug-resistant epilepsy.

Not a fit: Patients who have not undergone any form of brain surgery or those with eye movement disorders unrelated to cortical lesions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for children experiencing eye movement deficits after epilepsy surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on eye movement deficits in adults, this specific investigation into pediatric populations following cortical resection is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.