Investigating brain activity and memory in children with Rolandic epilepsy
Auditory Stimulation Effect on Spindles and Sleep Dependent Learning in Rolandic Epilepsy
This study is trying to see how brain activity affects memory in children with Rolandic epilepsy compared to those without it, using special imaging techniques and memory tasks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlestown, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04569708 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study recruits children aged 4 to 18 with Rolandic epilepsy and those without epilepsy to explore brain circuits and rhythms using non-invasive imaging techniques like MRI and MEG/EEG. Participants will engage in a memory task while undergoing EEG recordings, which include auditory stimulation during a nap to assess its effects on memory. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers and new treatment options for childhood epilepsy. The study will involve approximately 100 subjects at the Massachusetts General Hospital's Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-18 diagnosed with Rolandic epilepsy or childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes.
Not a fit: Patients with abnormal brain MRIs or unrelated neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatment options for children suffering from Rolandic epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques to understand epilepsy, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 4-18 years 2. Diagnosed with childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (CECTS) or Rolandic epilepsy by child neurologist 3. Has EEG with sleep activated centrotemporal spikes 4. Has had at least 1 focal motor or generalized seizure Exclusion Criteria: 1. Has abnormal brain MRI 2. Has other unrelated neurological disease 3. Unable to have an MRI/MEG 1. Claustrophobic 2. History of frequent vomiting 3. Permanent metal in body, braces 4. Over MRI weight limit: 350lbs
Where this trial is running
Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center Biomedical Imaging — Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Catherine Chu, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Catherine Chu, MD
- Email: cjchu@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-726-6540
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.