The Mosaic Brain: a New Diagnostic Approach in Focal Epilepsies

Launched by INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH · Sep 17, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Mosaic Brain trial is studying a new way to understand and diagnose childhood focal epilepsies, which are types of seizures that start in one area of the brain and can be hard to treat. The researchers want to learn more about the genetic factors that cause these epilepsy types and to test new methods for detecting changes in brain cells using simple tests on fluid from the spine (called cerebrospinal fluid) and small tissue samples taken during a specific brain procedure. The goal is to see if these new tests can be reliable and helpful for doctors in diagnosing and treating children with epilepsy.

To participate in this study, children must be under 18 years old and either have a clear or suspected brain lesion seen in an MRI or be undergoing a specific brain procedure called Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) at Great Ormond Street Hospital. They also need to be able to safely undergo a lumbar puncture, a procedure to collect the spinal fluid. This study is not yet recruiting participants, but it aims to improve testing methods that could be used in hospitals across the UK, making it easier for doctors to provide better care for children with epilepsy.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children in the epilepsy surgery pathway at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) with a clear or suspected MRI lesion.
• • All children undergoing SEEG at GOSH. Children for which consent was obtained from themselves or, if appropriate, from their legal representatives.
• • Children in whom there are no clinical contraindication to having a lumbar puncture procedure pre-surgery.
• • Both sexes.
• • Under the age of 18.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children that although undergoing epilepsy treatment or testing for an ischaemic lesion.
• • Children with malignant brain tumours.
• • Children in whom there are contraindications to performing a lumbar puncture procedure.