Cartography of Social Cognition Network and Their Alterations in Patients With Epilepsy

Launched by ASSISTANCE PUBLIQUE - HÔPITAUX DE PARIS · Sep 1, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly those with a type called medial temporal lobe epilepsy, understand and interact socially. Researchers want to learn more about how social cognition—the ability to interpret social cues and respond appropriately—can be affected by epilepsy. They will compare 20 healthy individuals with 20 patients who have epilepsy, looking at changes in their brain structure and function before and after surgery to remove the area causing their seizures. The goal is to better understand how social cognition networks in the brain are altered in these patients and how they may change after surgery.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 18 years old, understand French, and have been diagnosed with drug-resistant focal temporal lobe epilepsy for at least one year due to a condition called hippocampal sclerosis. Participants will undergo brain scans using MRI technology to evaluate their brain's structure and how different areas communicate with each other while at rest and during tasks related to social cognition. It’s important to note that those with certain medical conditions, such as claustrophobia or pregnancy, cannot participate. This research could provide valuable insights that may help improve the quality of life for individuals living with epilepsy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • Age ≥ 18 years old
• • Good understanding of written and verbal French language
• • Written consent signed by the subject
• • Patients with focal temporal lobe epilepsy for at least one year, drug-resistant, due to a hippocampal sclerosis
• • Undergoing presurgical assessment
• • Affiliated to a social security system
• Exclusion criteria:
• • Under juridical protection
• • With claustrophobia or any MRI contra-indication
• • Pregnancy or lactation
• • Participation in another research with an exclusion period
• • Refusal to be notified in the event of anomalies discovered during the performance of an MRI sequence