Using thermocoagulation to treat drug-resistant epilepsy in children
Impact of Thermocoagulation During Invasive EEG Monitoring in Children With Focal Drug-resistant Epilepsies
This study tests if using heat treatment during brain monitoring can help reduce seizures in children with hard-to-treat epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Months to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild Research network |
| Locations | 1 site (Paris) |
| Trial ID | NCT02886650 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of thermocoagulation during invasive EEG monitoring in children with focal drug-resistant epilepsy. The approach involves applying thermocoagulation to the ictal onset zone at the end of monitoring, which may help to disrupt the epileptogenic network and reduce seizure frequency. The study aims to confirm the ictal onset zone and provide guidance for surgical intervention. This technique, although established in adults, is rarely used in pediatric cases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 18 months to 17 years with focal drug-resistant epilepsy and small lesions or cryptogenic epilepsy requiring EEG monitoring.
Not a fit: Patients with large epileptic areas, formal contraindications to surgery or anesthesia, or those who refuse to participate may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While thermocoagulation has been successfully used in adults, its application in children is novel and has not been widely tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * age 18 month to 17 years old * focal drug-resistant epilepsy * small size lesion (1 or 2 gyri) or cryptogenic epilepsy * indication for EEG monitoring with depth electrodes during presurgical evaluation Exclusion Criteria: * formal contraindication to surgery or anaesthesia * functional area or potentially large epileptic area * refusal to participate in the study * no health insurance coverage
Where this trial is running
Paris
- Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild — Paris, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mathilde CHIPAUX, MD — Fondation OPH A de Rothschild
- Study coordinator: Laurence SALOMON, MD, PhD
- Email: lsalomon@for.paris
- Phone: 0033148036431
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.