Neural Dynamics of Epilepsy Patients
The goal of this project is to generate large datasets of patients with intractable epilepsy with electrodes implanted within the brain, to study the nerve dynamics of the brain and what role sleep may have in motor learning, memory, stimulus processing and mental imagery. This study will...
About
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by reoccurring seizures caused by an abnormality in electrical behavior in the brain. Over a third of patients with epilepsy either fail to see an improvement from anti-epileptic drug therapies or suffer serious side effects, including somnolence and insomnia.
Protocol Description
Sleep data will be recorded during overnight periods outside of the task period. These sleep periods may include a brief period of awake activity at the beginning and end. Participating patients may be asked to have surface electrodes on their face during these sleep periods. The sleep data will be used to confirm the patient has normal sleep, as this cannot be assumed for epileptic patients. It will also be used to clarify sleep staging for task-relevant sleep data.
During sleep, electrodes will be placed along patients' eyes and chin to improve sleep scoring during the night. Data will be collected from the electrodes to help determine when subjects are in non-REM sleep versus REM sleep. During this time, task-related sounds may be played as ambient noise and at a level such that it will not disturb patients' sleep.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- Ages 18-85 with intractable epilepsy who are scheduled to undergo implantation surgery
- Vision correctable to be able to see the computer display clearly with or without eyeglasses
Exclusion Criteria
- Dementia or severe cognitive impairment
- Inability to stop taking blood thinners
- Pregnant women
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
