EEG at home: understanding epilepsy and predicting seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Daily EEG at home: understanding epilepsy and seizures through investigation of frequent repeated EEG, stress, sleep and other factors
IRAS ID
260014
Contact name
Mark Richardson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
In this proof-of-principle project, we will investigate whether frequent at-home measurement of EEG can prospectively identify periods of increased seizure risk.
Unpredictability of seizures is a key challenge. In prior work, we developed a method to estimate brain network ictogenicity (BNI), a novel biomarker of the propensity of the brain to develop seizures. To estimate BNI requires 20 seconds of interictal scalp EEG. In this proof-of-principle project, we will investigate whether frequent at-home measurement of EEG, from which we will estimate BNI, can prospectively identify periods of increased seizure risk.
We will recruit and follow for 6 months, a cohort of 12 people who have >20 seizures per year. We will train participants to use a 9-channel EEG cap and miniature amplifier system. Participants will prospectively record seizure occurrences and medication taking; collect 10 minute EEGs twice daily; and wear a wrist-worn sensor that tracks actigraphy and heart rate. From each EEG, we will extract 20 seconds of resting data. A functional network will be estimated in the 6-9Hz band using phase-locking. BNI will be estimated from each twice-daily EEG over the 6-month duration.
We will test whether variation in BNI associates with seizure occurrences; and whether BNI varies with sleep, stress and medication taking.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0554
Date of REC Opinion
3 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion