UW-Madison, Marshfield to study epilepsy

How does childhood epilepsy affect brain growth, intellectual development and psychological health?

Two major Wisconsin research centers will begin recruiting children in late summer for a research project designed to shed light on this largely unanswered question.

The neurology department of UW Medical School and the Marshfield Clinic, along with Chicago Medical School, have received a $2.4 million federal grant for a five-year study of epilepsy in children.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the study will focus on a large group of children who have recently developed epilepsy. The youngsters, who are ages 8 to 18, will be monitored for several years and compared to a control group of healthy children. During the study, children will be provided state-of-the art brain imaging as well as detailed neurological and psychological assessment.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by the repeated occurrence of seizures. It is a major public health problem, affecting at least 1 million Americans. While most epilepsy can be managed through medication, about 20 percent of those with the disease have seizures that drugs do not control.

Children with epilepsy, and their families, also frequently face a number of psychosocial problems as a result of the disorder.

Bruce Hermann, a neuropsychologist in the neurology department and the study’s principal investigator, says the collaboration among three leading research institutions will move epilepsy knowledge forward quickly.

“This project will unite investigators from several disciplines for the careful study of childhood epilepsy,” says Hermann. “The collaborative nature of this project is very important, as the joint efforts of epilepsy specialists will advance knowledge and care of children with epilepsy in Wisconsin as well as the nation.”

Recruitment of patients could begin in August.

For more information, the Department of Neurology, 263-5443, or Marshfield Clinic Neurosciences, (800) 699-3377.