Epilepsy Canada announces grants for two important epilepsy research studies
July, 2015: Two promising new post-doctoral research studies are being funded by Epilepsy Canada. Grants have been awarded to Dr. Alexander Smith of UBC and Dr. Melanie Jeffrey of the Toronto Western Research Institute. Over the next year, the studies will attempt to answer questions related to the diagnosis and treatment of seizures in the most vulnerable group - children.
Dr. Smith’s study will focus on a common cause of pediatric epilepsy, the mutation of a single gene: SCN1A. Dr. Smith’s objective is to establish a reliable model for predicting which pharmaceutical therapy intervention will most often result in a positive control outcome.
He will employ computer models to analyze case data with tracked mutations to develop tools to better predict syndrome severity, progression and effective medications. It is hoped that this will lead to a method for doctors to find a personalized seizure management regimen for their patients quickly and with more accuracy than at present.
Dr. Jeffrey will be exploring the relationship between neurodevelopment and epilepsy. Specifically, she is interested in the relationship between seizures and brain development in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
There are linkages between prenatal alcohol exposure, seizures and behavioral/neurological problems, but these relationships are poorly understood. The research will investigate the effects of potential treatments on the development of seizures and epilepsy, as well as the severity of behavioral abnormalities, in a Guinea pig model of FASD.
Important questions to be answered include: Could genetic testing provide a basis for pre-emptive anti-epileptogenic treatments? Are there treatments that can reduce the adverse effects of alcohol on a developing fetus? Are subclinical seizures common in FASD? What role do they play in brain development?
Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy. It focuses on the promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance.
Founded in 1966, is governed by a board of directors with national representation, and depends entirely on public and corporate support to sustain its research and educational programs.
Dr. Smith’s study will focus on a common cause of pediatric epilepsy, the mutation of a single gene: SCN1A. Dr. Smith’s objective is to establish a reliable model for predicting which pharmaceutical therapy intervention will most often result in a positive control outcome.
He will employ computer models to analyze case data with tracked mutations to develop tools to better predict syndrome severity, progression and effective medications. It is hoped that this will lead to a method for doctors to find a personalized seizure management regimen for their patients quickly and with more accuracy than at present.
Dr. Jeffrey will be exploring the relationship between neurodevelopment and epilepsy. Specifically, she is interested in the relationship between seizures and brain development in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
There are linkages between prenatal alcohol exposure, seizures and behavioral/neurological problems, but these relationships are poorly understood. The research will investigate the effects of potential treatments on the development of seizures and epilepsy, as well as the severity of behavioral abnormalities, in a Guinea pig model of FASD.
Important questions to be answered include: Could genetic testing provide a basis for pre-emptive anti-epileptogenic treatments? Are there treatments that can reduce the adverse effects of alcohol on a developing fetus? Are subclinical seizures common in FASD? What role do they play in brain development?
Epilepsy Canada is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons affected by epilepsy. It focuses on the promotion and support of research and facilitation of education and awareness initiatives that build understanding and acceptance.
Founded in 1966, is governed by a board of directors with national representation, and depends entirely on public and corporate support to sustain its research and educational programs.
Dr. Melanie Jeffrey, Toronto Western Research Institute
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Dr. Alexander Smith, UBC
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