RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Impact of Epileptic Discharge on the Structural Connectivity of the Developing Brain

This study aims to understand how ongoing seizures in children with drug-resistant focal epilepsy might affect the way their brains are connected. We know that epilepsy can cause learning difficulties, and this study wants to see if regular seizures make these changes worse. Researchers will use special brain scans and recordings from electrodes placed inside the brain (for children already having checks for surgery) to look at how connections are affected, both in specific areas where seizures start and across the whole brain, including parts important for language. The goal is to learn more about how to help children with epilepsy have better brain health and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild

Enrolment target

Start

19 Dec 2017

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Epilepsies, Focal Pediatrics Drug Resistant Epilepsy

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how epilepsy affects the developing brains of children. We know that children with a type of epilepsy called focal epilepsy – where seizures start in one part of the brain – can sometimes have difficulties with learning and behaviour. These issues can have a big impact on their lives.

Researchers want to find out if the ongoing seizures themselves, not just the epilepsy, might be changing how the brain's different parts connect and work together. Think of your brain like a complex network of roads; this study is trying to see if seizures are damaging some roads or even creating new, unhelpful pathways. They'll use special brain scans and detailed recordings of brain activity from children who are already having tests to see if surgery can help their epilepsy. This will help them look closely at brain connections, both in the area where seizures begin and across the whole brain, including how language areas are organised.

By carefully studying these connections, both close-up in seizure areas and in wider brain networks, the hope is to understand more about how epilepsy affects a child's brain development. This knowledge could eventually help doctors find better ways to support children with epilepsy and improve their learning and overall well-being. It's a complex area, but every new piece of information helps us understand and treat this condition better.

Key takeaways

This study helps us understand how seizures affect children's brains.
It focuses on children with epilepsy that medicines haven't fully controlled.
Researchers use special brain scans and recordings to study brain connections.
The aim is to improve understanding to develop better support for children with epilepsy.
Your child won't receive new treatments or undertake new risky procedures beyond their medical care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged between 18 months and 16 years old. To be considered, a child must have focal epilepsy that hasn't responded well to medication (meaning they still have seizures despite taking epilepsy medicines).

There are also some reasons why a child might not be able to join. For example, if they have severe learning difficulties (a very low IQ), if they don't speak French (as the study is based in France), or if they can't have an MRI scan for medical reasons. Children with epilepsy that affects both sides of the brain or many parts of the brain would also not be able to participate. Some other conditions like severe eye or hearing problems, certain brain conditions from birth, or autism might also mean a child can't join the study. These rules help make sure the study can accurately measure what it's trying to find out.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child between 18 months and 16 years old?
Does your child have focal epilepsy that hasn't responded to medication?
Does your child not have severe learning difficulties (IQ above 50)?
Can your child have an MRI scan?
Does your child not have epilepsy affecting many parts or both sides of the brain?
Does your child not have other major brain conditions from birth, severe sight/hearing issues, or autism?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study means that your child would have brain scans and recordings of their brain activity. These are procedures they might already be having as part of their regular medical care if they're being considered for epilepsy surgery. The study involves a special type of MRI scan, called diffusion weighted imaging, which looks at the 'wiring' of the brain, and detailed recordings using electrodes placed inside the brain (intracerebral EEG). These recordings help measure seizure activity. There are no new medications given as part of this study. The total duration of participation would align with the child's existing evaluation period for potential epilepsy surgery, as the study uses information gathered during that time. There isn't a separate, extended follow-up period specifically for research purposes.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to a better understanding of how epilepsy affects children's brains, which could lead to improved treatments in the future for many children. There are no direct medical benefits for your child from participating. The study uses procedures your child would already be undergoing as part of their medical evaluation for epilepsy surgery, so there are no additional risks beyond those associated with their planned hospital stay and medical tests. Your child's care will not be affected whether you choose to participate or not. You are free to withdraw your child from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect their medical care.

Locations (1)

Fondation Ophtalmologique A. de Rothschild
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'drug-resistant focal epilepsy'?

This means epilepsy where seizures start in one specific part of the brain, and those seizures haven't stopped even after trying different epilepsy medications.

What is an EEG?

EEG stands for electroencephalogram. It's a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain. In this study, it involves small electrodes placed inside the brain to get very detailed readings of seizure activity.

What is a 'diffusion tensor imaging' scan?

It's a special type of MRI scan that shows the 'white matter' pathways in the brain – the connections that allow different brain parts to communicate. It's like looking at the brain's wiring.

Will my child receive any new treatments in this study?

No, this study is observational. It uses information from tests your child is already having as part of their medical care; no new treatments or medications are given.

How long will my child be in the study?

Participation in the study aligns with the time your child is already undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery. There isn't an extra, separate period of involvement.

How to find out more

Laurence Salomon, MD PhD

lsalomon@for.paris 0148036431 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.