Non-helium magnetoencephalography to find seizure sources in children with refractory epilepsy
Non-Helium Magnetoencephalography for Clinical Management of Refractory Epilepsy in Children: An Observational Cohort Study
Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center · NCT07064421
This project will test whether non-helium magnetoencephalography (MEG) can help find the seizure source before surgery in children ages 3–18 whose epilepsy does not respond to medicines.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07064421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study compares non-helium MEG with invasive recordings (SEEG/ECoG) in children aged 3–18 being considered for epilepsy surgery. Participants are assigned to a case group receiving both MEG and SEEG/ECoG and a control group receiving SEEG/ECoG alone, with clinical care and surgical decisions following standard practice. Investigators will compare how often MEG and SEEG/ECoG localize the same epileptic focus and will follow seizure control, neurological function, and quality of life at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The aim is to determine whether non-helium MEG provides consistent, clinically useful preoperative localization information.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 3–18 with clinically diagnosed refractory epilepsy who are candidates for presurgical evaluation and can cooperate with MEG recording are the ideal candidates for this protocol.
Not a fit: Patients who are not surgical candidates, who have progressive neurological disease, severe comorbidities, or cannot cooperate with MEG are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, non-helium MEG could improve surgical targeting and potentially reduce reliance on invasive monitoring, leading to better seizure control and fewer procedure-related risks.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional MEG has been used successfully to localize epileptic foci in prior studies, while non-helium (next-generation) MEG systems are newer and have more limited direct validation against SEEG/ECoG.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age range: 3-18 years old; 2. Clinically diagnosed with refractory epilepsy; 3. Capable of cooperating with magnetoencephalography evaluation and recording. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with serious comorbidities or neurological or psychiatric disorders that affect magnetoencephalography examination. 2. Patients using drugs that affect central nervous system function; 3. Patients who are not suitable for surgical procedures; 4. Patients with progressive neurological disorders.
Where this trial is running
Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Guangzhou Women and Children's medical center — Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ye Song, Medical Doctor
- Email: 15625984282@163.com
- Phone: +86-020-81886332
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: Refractory Epilepsy in Children, Epilepsy, Magnetoencephalography