Biomarkers of Functional Non-Epileptic Events: A Pilot Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Pilot Investigation of Peri-Ictal Physiological Parameters as Diagnostic and Aetiological Biomarkers - A Comparison of Functional Non-Epileptic Events and Epileptic Seizures
IRAS ID
231863
Contact name
Mark John James Edwards
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 23 days
Research summary
Functional non-epileptic events (FNEE) superficially resemble epileptic seizures (ES), but unlike them they are not associated with excessive electrical discharges of the brain. They are episodes of impaired self-control associated with a range of involuntary movements/sensations/feelings. FNEE are as common as other neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. The cause of FNEE is complex, involving biological, psychological and social factors. Distinguishing FNEE from ES is difficult, and patients are admitted to specialist hospitals with epilepsy units to capture an event on video, and record brainwave activity at the same time. This brainwave activity should be normal in FNEE but abnormal in ES. This method is expensive, often unavailable, and not all patients have events during their admission. There is now evidence showing that patients with FNEE have differences in their breathing and heart rates, skin sweat production and limb movements before and during FNEE, compared to patients with ES. These bodily changes can be misinterpreted by patients and may lead to FNEE. Moreover, these differences may help to distinguish FNEE from ES. We aim to demonstrate the feasibility of acquiring this information, in a cost effective and comfortable way using wrist worn medical devices, in the first of a two part pilot study at St George's Hospital in London. In doing so, we aim to demonstrate the potential of using this combined information to distinguish FNEE from ES. In the second part of the study, we also aim to demonstrate the tendency of patients with FNEE to misinterpret these bodily signals compared with patients with other chronic neurological disorders and healthy individuals. The results from this pilot study will be used as the basis to apply for more funding from research bodies in order to carry out a larger study to test these hypotheses.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0328
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion