Electrochemical Measurements During Epilepsy Monitoring Procedures
The goal of this study is to gain basic knowledge about how the human brain works by measuring the levels throughout the human brain of chemicals that transmit information in the brain (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) and studying how these levels respond to reward in both passive “res...
About
Protocol Description
Functional MRI (fMRI) recordings will be carried out separately from participating patients' clinical stay if they consent to the optional portion of the study. A separate set of study tasks will be performed during fMRI scanning. Neurotransmitter recording will be carried out using clinical electrodes already implanted for epilepsy monitoring. Using refined techniques, we will be able to use recordings obtained from these electrodes to measure at sub-second resolution concentrations of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine, all at the same time. Patients will be monitored after surgery in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit of the hospital, where they will be asked to complete tasks and questionnaires if they wish to participate in the study.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Adult patients aged 18-85
- Patients who have consented to undergo brain surgery for implanting electrodes for phase II epilepsy monitoring for treatment-resistant (medically refractory) epilepsy
Exclusion Criteria
- Minors (under age 18) undergoing phase II epilepsy monitoring
- Any patient that is not eligible for phase II epilepsy monitoring for treatment-resistant (medically refractory) epilepsy and has not agreed to undergo brain surgery for implanting electrodes for phase II epilepsy monitoring
- Inability to see a computer screen without vision corrected
Primary Investigator
Mark Witcher M.D., Ph.D., completed his medical education and training with a focus in neuroscience, as well as neurosurgery residency and fellowship in functional neurosurgery. He was fortunate to train under mentors focused on translational neuroscience—integrating neurosurgical research into clinical neurosurgical practice—and Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery provides an incredible opportunity to continue the tradition.
Dr. Witcher specializes in helping patients with functional neurosurgical issues. He has dedicated many years to studying electrical signaling in the brain to better understand the neuron behaviors that cause tremors, seizures, movement disorders, pain, weakness, sensory symptoms and blackouts.
Contact Information
Jordan Darden, Ph.D.
Director of Neurosurgery Research
