Observing brain health in adults with late-onset epilepsy

A Prospective Population-based Longitudinal Observational Cohort Study of Late-onset Epilepsy, and Subsequent Stroke and Dementia.

This study is trying to see how having late-onset epilepsy affects brain health and the risk of conditions like stroke or dementia in adults who have their first seizure after age 18.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 360 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Preston, Lancashire)
• Trial ID: NCT06263920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The NeuroFrailty study aims to investigate the long-term effects of late-onset epilepsy by observing individuals who experience their first seizure after the age of 18. Participants will undergo various assessments, including blood tests, brain scans, and lifestyle evaluations, to track changes in memory, health, and potential new diagnoses over several years. The study seeks to determine if there is a connection between late-onset epilepsy and the risk of developing conditions such as stroke or dementia. By comparing these individuals to those without seizures, the research hopes to shed light on the implications of adult-onset epilepsy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults who have been diagnosed with late-onset epilepsy or experienced their first seizure after the age of 18.

Not a fit: Patients with seizures attributable to identifiable causes such as malignancy or stroke are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the long-term health risks associated with late-onset epilepsy, potentially leading to better management and preventive strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research in this specific area, the study's observational approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in understanding the relationship between late-onset epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria for case participants includes:

* diagnosis of LOE or first seizure after the age of 18.
* diagnosis confirmed or established at a tertiary neurology centre.
* sequential cases will be used; in the unlikely event that eligible cases outstrip capacity, an annual cap of the first 150 patients per year per cohort will be used.

Inclusion criteria for control participants includes:

* established diagnosis of migraine.
* with or without therapeutic medications with antiepileptic properties.

Exclusion Criteria

Exclusion criteria for case participants includes:

* a 'lesional' attributable cause for seizures including malignancy, stroke (excluding transient ischaemic attack), hypoxic brain injury, trauma, vascular or congenital abnormality of likely aetiological significance.
* people with migraine or headache syndrome can be included in case group - the presence or absence of a seizure syndrome is mutually exclusive between case and control groups, not the presence or absence of migraine.

Exclusion criteria for control participants includes:

* diagnosis of epilepsy or confirmed seizure.
* 'lesional' attributable cause for seizures including malignancy, stroke (excluding transient ischaemic attack), hypoxic brain injury, trauma.

Where this trial is running

Preston, Lancashire

• Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS — Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jasmine Wall, MB BChir — University of Lancaster
• Study coordinator: Jasmine Wall, MB BChir

Conditions: Late Onset Epilepsy, Stroke, Dementia