Understanding how early life seizures affect brain connections
Official title: Tracking the evolution of synaptic dysplasticity after early life seizures
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11109619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having seizures early in life can affect brain connections and behavior as animals grow up, with the goal of finding new ways to help people who experience similar challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $542,182 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS115439-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who have experienced seizures in early life and may be facing cognitive or behavioral challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early life seizures or do not exhibit cognitive or behavioral deficits related to such seizures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of early life seizures on brain connections and behavior. By studying animal models, the team aims to understand how these seizures disrupt normal brain function and lead to cognitive and social challenges later in life. The researchers will focus on specific brain receptors and pathways that are altered due to these seizures, using advanced techniques to track changes at the level of individual neurons. This approach will help identify potential new treatments for individuals affected by these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from cognitive and behavioral deficits due to early life seizures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of early life seizures on brain function, indicating that this approach has potential for significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Frances E — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Frances E
Related research
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This project looks at whether early seizures and inflammation after a childhood stroke are linked to later epilepsy and recovery in kids up to 19 years old.
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Using the brain’s natural connector to detect and prevent seizures
A study at Case Western Reserve University is exploring whether gently stimulating a natural brain pathway called the corpus callosum can help identify where seizures start and stop them from spreading in people with hard-to-control epilepsy.
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Disentangling How Inhibitory Brain Cells Shape Seizures in People
This NIH grant tests how specific brain cells that normally calm the brain influence seizures in adults, using advanced optical methods in living subjects.
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.