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Imaging the brain
Minimising the impact of surgery on memory and language
Memory decline is a frequent worry for people with epilepsy and is the most common complaint following surgery for epilepsy. Similarly, people considering surgery have concerns about its potential impact on language at many different levels, from communication and speech through to understanding and thought. Now, thanks to sophisticated imaging techniques, we are able to map these key areas of the brain and reduce risk of damage during neurosurgery.
Chemical abnormalities involved in seizures
Up to 30 per cent of people with epilepsy do not respond to conventional anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and their seizures remain uncontrolled. As part of a large EU-funded collaboration, we are using a new three dimensional scanning technique - Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - to investigate chemical abnormalities within the brain in those with refractory epilepsy.
New scans bring hope of seizure freedom
Our research shows that dramatic advances in brain imaging could offer real hope of seizure freedom to those with drug-resistant epilepsy. Professor John Duncan, medical director of Epilepsy Society has underlined the importance of rescanning those people with medically refractory epilepsy who have previously been considered unsuitable for brain surgery.
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Imaging the white matter connections of the brain
White matter networks in the brain connect grey matter in the same way that wires connect networks of computers. We have developed and put into practice ways to demonstrate these connections and are using this information to further predict and reduce the risks of neurosurgery.
MEG: New scanning technique has important implications for brain surgery
We are using magnetoencephalography (MEG) to pinpoint the location of seizure activity and important cognitive functions such as language and memory. MEG data from patients with refractory focal seizures who are candidates for surgery are being integrated with other presurgical imaging and neurophysiological investigations with the aim of improving our ability to accurately locate the site of epileptic foci.
Measuring changes in the form and structure of the brain
Temporal lobe epilepsy often arises in the hippocampus or amygdala of the temporal lobe. We are developing a new computational method to measure changes in volume and shape in both areas so that we can monitor the relationship between the progression of epilepsy and structural changes in the brain. We hope this will increase our understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms of the condition.
