Pediatric Language and Memory Mapping in Refractory Epilepsy Using Magnetoencephalography

Completed

Conditions: Epilepsy

Interventions: Diagnostic Test: Baseline MEG Test
Behavioral: Receptive Language Task
Behavioral: Memory Task

Registration Number: NCT04888637

Lead Sponsor: University of Arkansas

Brief Summary: This is a pilot research study where language and working memory tasks will be used to study brain activities from children with epilepsy. Specifically for language assessment, a well-known MEG language protocol will be used and novel signal processing techniques will be applied. A widely utilized paradigm will be used to study memory function and adapt signal-processing techniques from previous literature for the processing and analysis of MEG signals collected during memory task. No treatment/intervention will be performed or evaluated in this pilot research study.

Detailed Description: This is a pilot research study where language and working memory tasks will be used to study brain activities from children with epilepsy. Specifically for language assessment, a well-known MEG language protocol will be used and novel signal processing techniques will be applied. A widely utilized paradigm will be used to study memory function and adapt signal-processing techniques from previous literature for the processing and analysis of MEG signals collected during memory task. No treatment/intervention will be performed or evaluated in this pilot research study.

A MEG scan will be performed and data will be collected from ten pediatric subjects with drug-resistant focal epilepsy under evaluation for resective surgery. If a MRI scan is available from medical records and images have the appropriate characteristics for MEG (see more specifications at MRI section) analysis, MRI will be used for MEG source reconstruction. If MRI is not available, one scan will be performed. MRI is necessary to obtain brain anatomy for high quality MEG source reconstruction.

Quantitative parameters will be extracted from MEG data for evaluating language and memory functions. This is a pilot research study where we will test the feasibility of the recording of both standard language and well-known memory task in patients with epilepsy. This research is important to investigate, by a non-invasive means, possible patterns of language and memory organization that may in future guide surgery and limit potential loss of these functions.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status: COMPLETED

Sex: All

Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

8 to 21 years old
Drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Enrolled in the Arkansas Children's Neuroscience Center Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
Under evaluation for resective surgery
English speakers. This is not a treatment/intervention study.

Exclusion Criteria

Previous resective surgery for epilepsy
Presence of progressive neurodegenerative disorders
Presence of significant magnetic artifacts; electronic, magnetic or metallic implants (e.g. pins, screws, shrapnel remains, surgical clips, artificial heart valves, cochlear implants, vascular stents pacemakers); or permanent make-up or tattoos made with metallic dyes
Presence of seizures within 24 hours of the MEG
Use of sedation during the MEG acquisition
Inability to be in a seated or supine position during the tasks
Major medical disorders (e.g. HIV, cancer)
Significant visual or auditory disabilities
Physical disabilities that interfere with accomplishment of study tasks (when applicable)
Claustrophobia, or fear of cramped or confined spaces
Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
Any condition that the investigator feels might put the patient at risk

Study & Design

Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL

Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
All Subjects	Baseline MEG Test	MEG baseline session Receptive Language Task Memory Task
All Subjects	Receptive Language Task	MEG baseline session Receptive Language Task Memory Task
All Subjects	Memory Task	MEG baseline session Receptive Language Task Memory Task

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Completed MEG	only one measurement in one visit	This is not a treatment/intervention study. Pilot study was to record brain activity utilizing a noninvasive MEG system during resting state, receptive language and working memory tasks.

Secondary Outcome Measures