Imaging study to understand brain function in epilepsy
Investigation of Interictal Metabolic and Electrophysiologic Changes in Epilepsy Through Trimodal Neuroimaging
Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT06974305
This study looks at how epilepsy changes brain function by using brain scans to see if they can spot areas that aren't working right compared to healthy people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlestown, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06974305 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how epilepsy affects brain function by using neuroimaging techniques such as FDG-PET, functional MRI, and EEG. It aims to analyze changes in brain metabolism and blood flow in both healthy individuals and those diagnosed with epilepsy. The study will compare how effectively these imaging modalities can identify regions of abnormal brain function associated with epilepsy. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to enhance the knowledge of epilepsy's impact on brain activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and exhibit abnormal interictal EEG.
Not a fit: Patients with severe brain diseases, a history of brain surgery, or those with diabetes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing similar neuroimaging approaches have shown promise in understanding epilepsy, indicating that this methodology is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or older Additional Inclusion Criteria for Subjects with Epilepsy: * Diagnosed with epilepsy with abnormal interictal EEG Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to PET, MRI, or EEG imaging * History of severe brain disease such as stroke and head trauma * History of brain surgery * History of type I or II diabetes mellitus * Fasting plasma glucose level \>200 mg/dL * Employed under direct supervision of the PI conducting the research Additional Exclusion Criteria for Healthy Subjects: * Current use of drugs that modulate brain function * Current or past history of major medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions
Where this trial is running
Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center — Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ciprian Catana, MD, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Magdelena S Allen, BA
- Email: mallen27@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-724-9232
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Epilepsy, Functional PET, FDG-PET, Functional MRI, EEG, Neuroimaging, Multimodal imaging