Investigating how sleep affects memory in children with focal epilepsy

Sleep Related Memory Consolidation in Children With Age Related Focal Epilepsy.

NA · University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT03865771

This study is testing how sleep affects memory in children with certain types of epilepsy to see if sleep problems make it harder for them to learn.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment95 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France (other)
Locations2 sites (Nancy and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03865771 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the relationship between sleep and memory consolidation in children diagnosed with age-related focal epilepsies, specifically benign epilepsy with centro temporal spikes, atypical benign partial epilepsy, and epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike and waves during sleep. The researchers hypothesize that epileptic activity during sleep disrupts memory consolidation, leading to learning difficulties. Participants will undergo neuropsychological testing, video EEG, and polysomnography to assess their sleep patterns and memory function. The study aims to better understand how these conditions affect cognitive development in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children with focal age-related epilepsy who have normal psychomotor development and are hospitalized for follow-up.

Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric disorders, significant sensory impairments, or abnormal neuroimaging results may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory and learning in children with focal epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, there is existing literature suggesting that sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation, particularly in children with neurological conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Principal:

* normal psychomotor development
* informed consent signed by both parents and subject if able
* affiliated to social security regimen

Specific

Patients from "severe" and "benign" groups:

* focal age related epilepsy: BECTS, ABPE, ECSWS (ILAE criteria)
* children hospitalized for their follow-up
* normal neuroimaging

Control group

-children hospitalized for a non neurologic disease

Exclusion Criteria:

Principal:

Psychiatric trouble (DSM V) Sensorial trouble without correction Poor command of French language Minor under care

Specific

Patients from "severe" and "benign" groups:

* degenerative disease
* abnormal neuroimaging
* mental deficiency

Control group

* neurologic trouble
* abnormal sleep EEG
* intellectual deficiency

Where this trial is running

Nancy and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Benign Epilepsy With Centro Temporal Spikes, Atypical Benign Partial Epilepsy, Epileptic Encephalopathy With Continuous Spike and Waves During Sleep, Memory consolidation, Epilepsy, Childhood, Benign epilepsy with centro temporal spikes, Epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spike and waves during sleep

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.