Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

AI-enhanced LF-MRI in Epilepsy

Epilepsy affects many people worldwide, but getting a proper diagnosis with brain imaging can be difficult, especially in places with fewer resources. This study is exploring whether a new type of MRI scan, which is cheaper and easier to move around, can help diagnose epilepsy effectively. It uses a lower-strength MRI machine combined with artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the image quality. We'll be looking at about 30 adults with epilepsy who have already had a standard MRI scan. They will have a single scan on this new machine, and experts will compare the results to see if it's as good at finding problems in the brain. We also want to know how comfortable participants find the new scan. This research could open doors for better epilepsy diagnosis in many parts of the world.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

Start

18 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2026

Epilepsy

What is this study about?

Epilepsy is a condition that affects the brain and causes seizures. To give people with epilepsy the best chance of managing their condition, it's really important to correctly diagnose it and understand what might be causing it in the brain. Brain scans, especially a type called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), are the best way to do this. However, many places in the world, particularly those with fewer resources, don't have enough MRI machines, and they can be very expensive to buy and maintain.

This study wants to see if a newer, less expensive, and more portable type of MRI machine can be just as good at helping diagnose epilepsy. This `low-field MRI` machine produces weaker magnetic fields than standard ones, making it cheaper and easier to use. We're also using smart computer programmes, known as artificial intelligence (AI), to improve the quality of the pictures from this lower-strength scanner. The goal is to make sure these scans are clear enough to find any changes in the brain linked to epilepsy.

We will be inviting about 30 adults who have epilepsy and have already had a standard MRI scan as part of their usual care. They will have one additional scan using this new low-field MRI machine. Two specialist doctors who look at brain scans will then compare the new scans with the standard ones to see how well they can find problem areas. We'll also ask participants about their experience to understand how comfortable they found the scan. This research is a starting point, and if successful, it could help many more people worldwide get the crucial brain scans they need for their epilepsy diagnosis.

Key takeaways

Exploring a cheaper, more portable MRI for epilepsy diagnosis.
Using AI to improve scan quality from the new machine.
Compares new MRI to standard MRI in people with epilepsy.
One study visit for a scan and comfort survey.
Aims to help more people worldwide get crucial brain scans.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 69 years old who has been diagnosed with epilepsy and is seen at a University College London Hospital (UCLH) epilepsy clinic.

You also need to have had a standard MRI brain scan within the last year as part of your routine care, and be able to lie still for an MRI scan without needing any medication to help you relax.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have any metal in your body that isn't safe for an MRI, or if you can't lie flat for the scan. We also can't include people whose body shape means they won't fit comfortably into the new MRI machine, or if a medical condition affects your ability to understand and agree to take part.

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.

Are you between 18 and 69 years old?
Do you have epilepsy and are seen at a UCLH clinic?
Have you had a standard brain MRI in the last 12 months?
Can you lie still comfortably for an MRI scan?
Do you have no metal in your body that isn't safe for an MRI?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have one visit for this study. During this visit, you will have a single scan on the new low-field MRI machine. This will be at the Birkbeck-UCL Centre for Neuroimaging (BUCNI).

The researchers will also ask you to fill out a short questionnaire after your scan to tell them how you felt about the new MRI experience. There are no medications involved in this study, and no further follow-up visits or assessments will be needed after this single scan and questionnaire.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing to research that could help improve epilepsy diagnosis for many people, especially in areas where standard MRI is hard to access. The low-field MRI is generally considered very safe, and you won't be exposed to radiation. Overall, there are very few risks expected, but you might feel a bit uncomfortable or anxious during the scan, similar to a standard MRI. We will also ask you about your experience. You are always free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'low-field MRI'?

It's a type of MRI machine that uses a weaker magnetic field, making it potentially cheaper and easier to use than standard MRI scanners.

What is 'AI-enhanced'?

This means we're using clever computer programmes (Artificial Intelligence) to help improve the quality and clarity of the images taken by the low-field MRI machine.

Will I get the results of my new scan?

The study is for research, and the new scan results won't automatically be given back to you or used for your direct medical care. Your standard MRI results will continue to be used.

How long will the single study visit take?

The visit for the scan and questionnaire should be fairly quick, likely less than a few hours in total.

Is the new MRI safe?

Yes, MRI scans, including low-field ones, are generally very safe and do not use radiation. We will check for any reasons you shouldn't have one, like if you have certain metal implants.