Institution
Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, UK
About the study
Rolandic epilepsy (RE; also known as Benign Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes - BECTS) is a common childhood epilepsy in which seizures involve the mouth and face. Many children with this condition also have difficulties with attention, language, and speech. These problems are not very well-understood at the moment.
We are trying to learn more about these issues in rolandic epilepsy using advanced brain scans and genetic tests. Our scans can tell us how different parts of the brain work, and how they are connected.
We would like to ask some UK adolescents with RE and their families to help us by taking part in our study. Please help; it’s fun and interesting, you can learn about your (child’s) abilities, and you will help us discover more about epilepsy. Travel and other expenses will be paid.
When will this study be recruiting?
Recruitment has commenced and will run until 31 December 2012 approximately.
What will participants be asked to do?
Participants (including siblings) will be asked to have two MRI scans, approximately 1 – 2 years apart. They will also be asked to do some language, IQ, and other tests, and complete some questionnaires. We also invite all families to provide a DNA (blood or saliva) sample (optional).
Who can take part?
- Adolescents (8 – 14 years) with rolandic epilepsy (RE; BECTS).
- Siblings of adolescents with rolandic epilepsy (RE; BECTS).
- Healthy adolescents (8 – 14 years) without a family history of epilepsy.
- Everyone taking part should live in the UK.
Please note: all participants must be right-handed, and speak English as their first language.
Who is conducting the research?
The Developmental Epilepsy Neurogenetics research group (Professor Deb Pal, Dr Anna Smith, Dr Colm McGinnity) at the Institute of Psychiatry.
Who has reviewed this study?
London Camberwell – St Giles Research Ethics Committee (study reference: 10/H0807/93), Institute of Psychiatry Research and Development Office.
Interested?
Please contact Dr Colm McGinnity by telephone (020-7848-5162) or email (colm.mcginnity@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...