Deep Brain Stimulation For Severe Generalised Epilepsy Of Lennox-Gastaut Phenotype
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$897,972.00
Summary
Deep Brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment for epilepsy, recently approved for use in Australia on the basis of trials in focal epilepsy showing benefit. The role of DBS in generalised epilepsy is currently unclear. This study tests the effectiveness of DBS in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe, medication-resistant generalised epilepsy syndrome.
Localising Epileptic Discharges In The Brain Using Non-invasive Electro-magnetic Signal Analysis In Patients With Difficult-to-control Epilepsy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$179,782.00
Summary
Epilepsy is a leading cause of chronic morbidity in Australia. A fundamental problem in clinical practice is the accurate identification of the 'hotspot' zone in the brain that is generating epileptic discharges. These discharges can be detected non-invasively (over the scalp) and analysed with electro-encephalographic and magneto-encephalographic source localisation (EMSL) techniques. EMSL is not used in routine clinical practice because we await a large scale prospective study (the aim of this ....Epilepsy is a leading cause of chronic morbidity in Australia. A fundamental problem in clinical practice is the accurate identification of the 'hotspot' zone in the brain that is generating epileptic discharges. These discharges can be detected non-invasively (over the scalp) and analysed with electro-encephalographic and magneto-encephalographic source localisation (EMSL) techniques. EMSL is not used in routine clinical practice because we await a large scale prospective study (the aim of this proposal).Read moreRead less
Seizures appear unpredictable and greatly affect the quality of all aspects of life for patients with epilepsy and their carers. New advances in complex systems theory suggest that transitions from normal brain activity to seizures are preceded by measurable changes in the brain’s responses to stimuli, known as critical slowing. Measurement of critical slowing will enable prediction of seizures, providing a warning system, and possibly an opportunity to deliver preventative therapies.
The Influence Of Human Cortical Rhythms On The Induction Of Plasticity
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$298,898.00
Summary
The human brain has a great capacity to reorganise. This capacity is known as plasticity and is behind our ability to learn new skills. Plasticity is important for recovery from brain injury. The recently developed technique of transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used to manipulate plasticity in the human brain This approach offers new and exciting therapeutic opportunities. This project is aimed at optimising this technique.
Fibromyalgia: Investigating The Prefrontal Cortex And Its Role In Novel Treatment Approaches
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$338,110.00
Summary
Fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition, is experienced by 1-3% of Australians. Despite this high number, the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown with no effective treatment options. In the proposed investigations I will use state of the art neuroscientific paradigms to explore the brain basis of fibromyalgia and utilise novel brain stimulation protocols to provide long-lasting pain relief.