High-resolution Multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Focal Epilepsy

Launched by CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG · Aug 8, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at a new type of MRI scan to help find the cause of seizures in patients with focal epilepsy. Focal epilepsy is a condition where seizures begin in one specific area of the brain, but sometimes regular MRI scans don’t show the problem areas clearly. The study aims to see if advanced MRI techniques can detect these subtle issues that may be causing the seizures.

To participate in this trial, patients should have focal epilepsy that hasn’t responded to medication, and their previous MRI scans must not have shown any clear problems. Participants will need to be able to consent to the MRI scan, and if they are under 18, a parent or guardian will provide consent for them. The study is currently recruiting participants of all ages and genders. Those who join can expect to have an advanced MRI scan, and they will receive detailed information about the study and the procedure before they agree to take part.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Consecutive patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy fulfilling the following criteria -
• 1. Diagnosis of focal epilepsy with a probable site identified, as defined by concordant results from any TWO of the following:
• • Clinical seminology compatible with focal epilepsy.
• • Electroencephalography pointing towards a specific site for focal epilepsy.
• • Positive ictal brain scintigraphy with SPECT-CT correlation. AND 2. Previous MRI (at least one study with protocol tailored for epilepsy) which did not reveal accountable focal lesion.
• • AND 3. Able to consent for MRI examination (if patient under age of 18, consent for MRI will be obtained from guardian). Patients will be provided information leaflets to read on, and written consent before taking part in this study and MRI examination.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who are contraindicated to magnetic resonance imaging (such as due to underlying MRI incompatible metallic implants)
• • Patients who cannot cooperate for MRI scanning.
• • Patients show are unable to provide informed consent.