Brain network structures in Idiopathic Generalised Epilepsy (IGE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain network structures in predicting treatment responsiveness in patients with idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE)
IRAS ID
145796
Contact name
Mark Richardson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Kings College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
This study will aim to identify important mechanisms in common between different seizure types of idiopathic generalised epilepsy (IGE). It is increasingly recognised that functions of the brain are properties of complex networks of brain cells. We have worked for several years on new methods to identify whether brain networks in people with epilepsy have abnormal properties, and whether these allow seizures to occur. Using MRI brain scans, we have shown abnormalities of specific brain regions and their connections. Using electrical recordings of brain waves (EEG) we have shown that brain networks differ between people with epilepsy and people without; and that unaffected relatives of people with epilepsy may have similar brain networks to their affected relatives. Using computer models of how EEG activity is produced, we have shown that these inherited networks have an abnormal ability to suddenly switch to seizure activity.
In this study we build on this background, to examine three questions:
(1) Does successful treatment act by altering brain network properties in IGE patients?
(2) Can a timecourse of that change be established?
(3) Are these network abnormalities present in close family relatives?
We will collect MRI brain scans and EEGs from 52 drug naïve new –onset people with IGE, in addition to 35 of their close family relatives. A control group will be used to establish normal brain networks but the control data will come from another study - "Brain Networks in Focal Epilepsy", 14/LO/0193.
We will examine data to identify differences in the network structures of patients who are seizure free and those who are not at the following time points: baseline, 2 months after starting treatment and when they are established on a maintenance dose, generally between 6-14 months after treatment commences. We will also examine data from unaffected relatives to determine if abnormalities exist in their brain networks.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/0100
Date of REC Opinion
25 Feb 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion