EEG network analysis in refractory IGE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Electroencephalography based brain network analysis in drug resistant and refractory idiopathic generalised epilepsy
IRAS ID
227540
Contact name
Rajiv Mohanraj
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
Idiopathic generalised epilepsies (IGE) are a group of epilepsy syndromes in which patients experience generalised seizures or fits. These can include generalised tonic clonic (“grand mal”), absence or myoclonic seizures. Apart from the occurrence of seizures, patients with IGE are neurologically normal, and have no physical or intellectual disability. The electroencephalogram (EEG, electrical brain wave tracing) in patients with IGE shows electrical discharges affecting both halves of the brain at the same time, with emphasis over the front of the head. This abnormal electrical activity is thought to be generated in a network of brain cells called the thalamocortical circuit.
IGE generally respond well to treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AED), particularly sodium valproate. However, 20-30% of patients fail to achieve seizure freedom with AED treatment. The mechanisms that cause epilepsy to be resistant to treatment have not been clearly identified. Many studies have looked into possible genetic mechanisms, as well as levels of certain drug transporter proteins that may affect the level of AED in the brain. However, these mechanisms have not been found to be relevant in the majority of cases of drug resistant epilepsy.
As alluded to above, seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in networks of brain cells. We believe that the structure and function of brain networks that lead to epilepsy are also responsible for determining response to treatment. We therefore propose to study the properties of brain networks by analysis of the EEG trace. We plan to compare the properties of brain network between patients who have well controlled epilepsy, those with uncontrolled epilepsy, and individuals of a similar age and gender, who do not have epilepsy. This will enable us to identify network properties that are associated with poorly controlled IGE.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EE/0282
Date of REC Opinion
16 Aug 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion