Are you changing to a new anti-epileptic medication?
Institution
King’s College Hospital, London, UK
About the study
It is known that electrical activity in the brain is constantly changing. Abnormalities in electrical activity are thought to be one of the primary causes of epilepsy. Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS) can be used to measure the level of ‘electrical excitability’ of the brain. TMS is easy to use, painless and non-invasive. This is a technique that has been used for several years to study epilepsy.
The team at King’s College are hoping that TMS could help predict if changing to a new anti-epileptic medicines will work. It is hoped that TMS will help predict if changing to a new anti-epileptic medicines will work. If this proves to be the case, it would mean patients would not need to wait many anxious months to find out if a new medication will be effective in reducing seizures. Rather they will be able to quickly choose the best medication.
When will this study be recruiting?
Now until mid 2014
What will participants be asked to do?
The study will involve visiting the hospital on two occasions. Once before you start taking the new medicine and then again a few weeks later, each at a time convenient for you. Each visit would last approximately two to three hours. You will have a test called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS involves having some electrodes fixed to your head (just like electrodes used for recording EEG from your scalp). A small device will then be used to deliver magnetic pulses to your head.
Using this, a number of different measurements of brain excitability will be taken. During the test, you will be asked to sit still and relax. The test is painless and non-invasive. This means that it does not involve needles or anything else going inside the body.
Who can take part?
Anybody over the age of 18 living in London, Hampshire, Essex, Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Sussex, Kent and Oxfordshire, who is changing medicines will be considered.
Who is conducting the research?
The research is being lead by Professor Mark Richardson, Paul Getty III Professor of Epilepsy. Adam Pawley will conduct the main research. Adam is a PhD student funded by Epilepsy Action.
Who has reviewed this study?
The study has been peer reviewed, and has all appropriate ethical approvals and clearances. The study is being funded by Epilepsy Action as part of a PhD project.
Interested?
Please contact Adam Pawley on 0207 848 5162 or 07594 527592. Email adam.pawley@kcl.ac.uk
In order to continue this important work, we need your help. Find out how you can make a regular or single donation to support research at Epilepsy Action
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment...