Using brain MRI to predict seizures in Sturge-Weber Syndrome before they happen
Brain MRI to pre-symptomatically predict seizure onset for Sturge-Weber Syndrome
This study is looking at how brain scans can help find kids with Sturge-Weber Syndrome who might have seizures before they actually happen, and it will also test if a medication called Levetiracetam can help delay or prevent those seizures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10680386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain MRI scans can be used to identify children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome who are at risk of developing seizures before any symptoms appear. By focusing on pre-symptomatic treatment, the study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-epilepsy medications, specifically Levetiracetam, in delaying or preventing seizure onset. The research involves collaboration between experts at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Boston Children's Hospital, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques and clinical trials to improve outcomes for affected children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children diagnosed with Sturge-Weber Syndrome who have not yet experienced seizures.
Not a fit: Patients who have already developed seizure symptoms or are older than two years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions that prevent or delay seizures in children with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, potentially improving their neurocognitive development.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neuroimaging biomarkers for identifying at-risk patients, but this specific pre-symptomatic approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ou, Yangming — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ou, Yangming
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.