Biomarkers to distinguish epileptic from non-epileptic seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomarkers to distinguish epileptic from functional non-epileptic seizures: Long term remote monitoring in people with epilepsy and people with functional non-epileptic seizures
IRAS ID
290828
Contact name
Mark Richardson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Epilepsy is a common condition in which seizures occur without warning. Functional non-epileptic seizures can often look like epileptic seizures but unlike epilepsy there is no abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can be difficult to distinguish between epileptic and functional non-epileptic seizures but it is important to do so because the treatments differ. Recent research in people with epilepsy has demonstrated that seizures occur in patterns (seizure cycles). However, the underlying causes of seizure cycles remain unclear. To date no studies have examined whether seizures occur in cycles and predictable patterns in people with functional non-epileptic seizures.
In this study, we will use a smartphone app to look at the pattern of seizure occurrence in people with epilepsy and people with functional non-epileptic seizures. We also aim to find out whether patterns of seizures may be related to other factors such as sleep, mood, and stress. To do this, we will follow-up 50 people with epilepsy and 50 people with functional non-epileptic seizures over six months. Participants will log their seizures on the app and respond to a daily check-in to prospectively assess other physiological cycles, warning symptoms and factors which may influence seizure occurrence.
Using this information, we aim to find out whether seizures occur in predictable patterns in both groups and how seizure occurrence may relate to other factors. We will also assess how these differ between people with epilepsy and people with functional non-epileptic seizures. Identification of cyclical patterns of functional non-epileptic seizures may offer some diagnostic utility in differentiating these individuals from people with epilepsy. This may further our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of functional non-epileptic seizures, which remain poorly understood. An improved understanding might enable improved and more targeted management options for these individuals as well as differentiating them from epileptic seizures.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0133
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion