Research

Epilepsy research

Epilepsy Society is at the forefront of medical research into epilepsy. Our work aims to:

• clarify the underlying causes of epilepsy
• advance the treatment and rehabilitation of those with epilepsy
• identify and investigate the healthcare needs of, and services for, people with epilepsy and their carers

We have extensive expertise in brain imaging, genetics, pharmacology, epidemiology and psychology and work in partnership with the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the Institute of Neurology. We are recognised as a centre for excellence by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Epilepsy Society research mission.

Brain imaging

Dramatic advances in brain imaging  offer real hope of seizure freedom for those with drug-resistant epilepsy. Pioneering scanning techniques are enabling neurologists to map critical pathways between functional areas of the brain and minimise the impact of surgery on memory, language and vision. Read more here.

Neuropsychology

Understanding the psychological aspects of epilepsy is crucial to understanding how the condition affects individuals. We are now beginning to determine the long-term effects of epilepsy, ageing, medication and surgery on brain function and quality of life. Read about our latest research.

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Epilepsy nursing

Epilepsy specialist nurses have been evaluating buccal midazolam as a rescue medication for those with prolonged seizures. They have also been looking at SMS text messaging to remind people to take their medication. You will able to read more about these projects here shortly.

Clinical pharmacology

In recent years, the evaluation of recently-developed anti-epileptic drugs by pharmaceutical companies has been carried out abroad rather than in the UK. However, it is thought that in the interests of quality, trials will return to this country. You will shortly be able to read here how our Therapeutic Drug Monitoring unit is staying at the forefront of drug evaluation.

Neurogenetics

Our new genetics research is looking into why some people are more likely to develop epilepsy than others, and whether a person's genetic make-up can help to identify the best medication for them. Read about our latest research into neurogenetics. 

Clinical epileptology research

What is the long-term outcome for epilepsy surgery? Could light levels affect seizure control? Could a small wearable device detect when a person has stopped breathing during sleep? Find out about these innovative treatments and our clinical epileptology research.

Experimental epilepsy

The Experimental Epilepsy and Fundamental Neuroscience Group at UCL Institute of Neurology is working to understand the abnormalities on individual nerve cells and the chemicals that communicate between them. You will be able to read more about their work here shortly.

Global health

Epilepsy Society's medical director Professor Ley Sander is involved in looking at the occurence and incidence of epilepsy in resource-poor countries including  Brazil, Georgia, Bulgaria, China and several African countries. He is also developing closer links with SEIN,  the Epilepsy Institutes of the Netherlands Foundation, and the Free University in Amsterdam. You will be able to read more about our global work here shortly.