RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Seizure Recurrence After Unprovoked First Seizure

This study is looking into why some people have another seizure after their very first one. Researchers know that about 1 in 10 people experience a seizure in their lifetime, often with no clear cause. These are called 'unprovoked first seizures' (UFS). While most people with UFS don't have more seizures, predicting who will is tricky. This study will use detailed brain scans (MRI) and tests of thinking and mood to find small changes in the brain's connections. The goal is to develop a reliable way to predict the risk of future seizures within 12 months, helping doctors decide the best care plan earlier.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Dr. Gavin Winston

Enrolment target

275

Start

01 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Single Seizure Epilepsy

What is this study about?

Imagine you've had a seizure for the first time, and doctors can't find a reason for it. This is called an 'unprovoked first seizure' (UFS). It can be a very worrying time, and a big question is whether you'll have another one. Most people don't, but some do. Currently, it's hard for doctors to tell who is at higher risk right away. This study wants to make that clearer.

We know that seizures can sometimes be linked to very tiny changes in how the brain is structured and how it works. These changes are often too subtle to pick up with standard tests. Scientists also think that changes in how different parts of the brain connect with each other might be linked to small difficulties with thinking or mood. By looking at these brain connections in much more detail using special scans, researchers hope to find patterns that explain why some people have more seizures and others don't.

Ultimately, the main goal is to create a better prediction tool. If doctors can more accurately predict your risk of having another seizure soon after your first, they can then discuss with you whether starting treatment earlier might be a good idea. This could help prevent distress and improve your quality of life, giving you and your doctor more information to make important decisions about your health.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand why some people have repeat seizures after their first one.
It uses detailed brain scans and thinking tests to find clues in the brain's connections.
The goal is to create a better tool to predict future seizures.
This could help doctors decide if early treatment is needed, improving patient care.
Participation involves brain scans (MRI, EEG) and cognitive tests, with follow-up for 12 months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be an adult between 18 and 65 years old who has recently experienced your very first unprovoked seizure and are attending one of the First Seizure Clinics in Halifax or Kingston. We are also looking for healthy people who are around the same age, gender, and have a similar level of education to help as comparison in the study.

You won't be able to take part if you're over 65, as the study wants to focus on seizures rather than age-related memory issues. You'll also be excluded if your doctors find out your seizure wasn't actually epilepsy, if you've already had more than one seizure, or if your seizure happened due to something like certain medications, drug misuse, an acute illness, or if you already have a diagnosis of epilepsy or are taking anti-seizure medication.

Other reasons you might not be able to join include having a serious brain condition like multiple sclerosis (MS) or a history of brain surgery. Also, for safety reasons related to MRI scans, pregnant individuals or those who might be pregnant will not be able to participate and would need a negative pregnancy test if there's any doubt.

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 65 years old?
Have you had your first seizure recently, and doctors haven't found a clear cause for it?
Are you attending a First Seizure Clinic in Halifax or Kingston?
Do you *not* already have an epilepsy diagnosis or take anti-seizure medication?
Are you *not* pregnant or might be pregnant?
Do you *not* have a serious brain condition or severe memory problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have several appointments. These will include tests to check your thinking and mood. You'll also have detailed brain scans, specifically an MRI scan which uses strong magnets to take pictures of your brain, and an EEG, which records your brain's electrical activity. These are standard, safe tests. Afterwards, the study team will keep in touch with you to see if you have any more seizures over the next 12 months. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help us learn more about seizures, which could benefit many people in the future by improving diagnosis and treatment decisions. For you personally, you might not see an immediate benefit, but you'll be contributing to very important research. The tests involved, like MRI and EEG, are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, there are small risks, such as feeling anxious in the MRI scanner. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

Locations (2)

Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada· Recruiting
Queen's University and Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'unprovoked first seizure'?

It means you've had a seizure for the first time, and doctors can't find a specific reason for it right away, like a medicine or another illness.

What will happen during the brain scan?

You'll have an MRI scan, which uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of your brain. You'll lie in a large machine, and it can be a bit noisy but is not painful. You'll also have an EEG, where small sensors are placed on your scalp to measure brain activity.

Will I be given any new medication?

No, this study does not involve giving you any new medication. It's about monitoring and understanding seizures.

How long will the study last for me?

The initial assessments, including scans and tests, will take place over a few visits. After that, researchers will follow up with you for about 12 months to see if you have another seizure.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to stop participating in the study at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

How to find out more

Christopher Hlynialuk, MSc

hlynialuk.c@queensu.ca 613-533-6000 Official trial record

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