Focal Epilepsy Assessed at Seven Tesla MRI (FEAST study)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterisation of focal cortical dysplasia in adults with epilepsy using ultra high-field seven Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (7T MRI)
IRAS ID
268426
Contact name
Alexander Hammers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 30 days
Research summary
More than one in three adults with epilepsy still have seizures even though they take medication. In some of these patients, a type of brain abnormality called a focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the cause of seizures. These people may benefit from surgery to remove the FCD. However, this type of pathology is very difficult to identify with current brain imaging methods, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET).
Clinical scans using conventional 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla MRI have helped to identify FCDs in some patients. However in patients where the abnormalities are very subtle, current imaging methods are insufficient. Some of these patients may have an abnormality on a PET scan even though their conventional MRI scan may appear normal. In this study, we will use a new type of research MRI scanner (an ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI) that can produce much more detailed images of the brain. By having more detailed images and exploring new imaging contrasts, we hope to better locate the lesion using MRI. We will scan patients who have a normal 3T MRI but abnormal PET scan so we have a better idea of where to look for the abnormality on the 7T MRI scan.
Complete removal of the FCD may stop seizures in some people with epilepsy. The new scanner may therefore help more patients get surgery. The images will also help us understand how FCDs differ from other parts of the brain. Ideally, we can then detect FCDs better on standard NHS MRI scanners.
The study will be conducted at the 7T MRI research facility at King's College London/St. Thomas' Hospital. We will recruit adults with epilepsy and focal cortical abnormalities from St. Thomas’ Hospital and King’s College Hospital. Participants will undergo an hour-long MRI scan session.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1742
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion