1325
Last Update Posted: 2008-03-04
Recruiting has ended
All Genders accepted | Under |
80 Estimated Participants | No Expanded Access |
Observational Study | Does not accept healthy volunteers |
Metabolic Abnormalities in Children With Epilepsy
This study is designed to use positron emission tomography to measure brain energy use. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a technique used to investigate the functional activity of the brain. The PET technique allows doctors to study the normal processes of the brain (central nervous system) of normal individuals and patients with neurologic illnesses without physical / structural damage to the brain.
When a region of the brain is active, it uses more fuel in the form of oxygen and sugar (glucose). As the brain uses more fuel it produces more waste products, carbon dioxide and water. Blood carries fuel to the brain and waste products away from the brain. As brain activity increases blood flow to and from the area of activity increases also.
Researchers can label a sugar with a small radioactive molecule called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). As areas of the brain use more sugar the PET scan will detect the FDG and show the areas of the brain that are active. By using this technique researchers hope to answer the following questions;
Are changes in brain energy use (metabolism) present early in the course of epilepsy
Do changes in brain metabolism match the severity of patient's seizures
Do changes in metabolism occur over time or in response to drug therapy
We propose to study children with recent onset partial epilepsy, cryptogenic infantile spasms, and idiopathic Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome with serial FDG-PET to elucidate the natural history and evolution of metabolic abnormalities associated with such epilepsies. The severity of the seizure disorder, and cognitive impairment, when present, will be correlated with the presence and extent of focal and global cerebral metabolic abnormalities.
Eligibility
Relevant conditions:
Generalized Epilepsy
Infantile Spasms
Metabolic Disease
Partial Epilepsy
Seizures
If you aren't sure if you meet the criteria above speak to your healthcare professional. Criteria may be updated but not reflected here, do not hesitate to contact the study if you think are close to fitting criteria.
locations
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov