The Center conducts numerous studies of epilepsy medications and treatments.
Drug studies
Currently, we are participating in a multi-center study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examining the effects of anti-epileptic drugs in children developing in utero. It is thought that a pregnant woman’s use of anticonvulsants may effect the baby’s IQ and development. There has never before been a study comparing this crucial topic of the safety of anticonvulsants for an unborn child.
Anticonvulsants
We are researching anticonvulsants in children under age four who have partial seizures and have tried one medication unsuccessfully. There is very little existing research about epilepsy medications for these young patients.
Imaging studies
We are continuing our ground-breaking imaging studies, looking at the very latest MRI scanner—a 4-Tesla MRI—to see whether it provides more information and produces higher resolution images of the brain than standard MRI. Previous studies showed that that almost 50 percent of children with intractable epilepsy had lesions that had gone undetected by routine MRI.
Surgery studies
In a study with the Hattie Larlham Foundation, a long-term care facility for children and young adults with chronic neurological issues, we are studying the results of VNS.
Neurocutaneous Disorders/Tuberous Sclerosis
Tuberous sclerosis is another disorder with difficult-to-control seizures. Patients are reported to do well with epilepsy surgery, and their quality of life improves.
Extratemporal Epilepsy
A multi-center study is being carried out to determine the outcomes of children with extratemporal epilepsy who do not have a well-defined lesion on their MRI scan.