Using advanced MRI to identify metabolic changes in epileptic brain tissue
Official title: Hyperpolarized MRI for Metabolic Imaging of Epileptic Tissue
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-10948487 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special type of MRI that can help find changes in the brain caused by epilepsy, focusing on a substance called lactate, to better pinpoint where seizures start in patients who haven't found relief with regular treatments, which could lead to more successful surgeries for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $427,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS139180-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10948487 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with focal epilepsy who continue to experience seizures despite optimal medical therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with generalized epilepsy or those who have not undergone prior medical treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of hyperpolarized MRI technology to detect metabolic changes in brain tissue affected by epilepsy. By focusing on the production of lactate, a byproduct of energy metabolism, the study aims to improve the localization of seizure onset zones in patients with epilepsy who do not respond to standard treatments. The approach involves using both patient tissue samples and animal models to validate the effectiveness of this imaging technique. If successful, this method could lead to better surgical outcomes for epilepsy patients by accurately identifying problematic brain areas.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the ability to localize and treat epileptic tissue, potentially improving the quality of life for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using metabolic imaging techniques for brain disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into epilepsy treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ksendzovsky, Alexander — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Ksendzovsky, Alexander
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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.