Clinical Research
Research efforts within the Pediatric Epilepsy group at Barrow focus on direct improvements in patient management, including anti-seizure drug development. We participate in many of the national multi-center studies that examine such issues as the safety and effectiveness of new medications that have not yet been approved by the FDA, and the impact of anti-seizure medications on learning and problem-solving.
Brain imaging is a strength of the Barrow Neurological Institute, and our pediatric epilepsy faculty work in collaboration with our neuroradiology colleagues to utilize and develop innovative imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and voxel-based morphometry (VBM).
Laboratory Research
Members of the pediatric epilepsy group are also active with laboratory research.
Pediatric Epilepsy Research Laboratory (Principal Investigator Jong M. Rho, M.D.) investigates basic molecular and cellular mechanisms relating to epilepsy and mitochondrial function, and also examines the basic mechanisms of the ketogenic diet treatment for seizures and epilepsy.
Hypothalamic Hamartoma Tissue Research Laboratory (Principal Investigator John F. Kerrigan, M.D.) investigates the microanatomy and cellular features of hypothalamic hamartoma tissue, with the goal of discovering the mechanisms responsible for seizure activity in this epileptic tumor.
Both laboratories are supported in part by NIH grants, and include training opportunities for students and post-doctoral research fellows.
In collaboration with Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), this study uses whole genome SNP profiling, RNA expression profiling, linkage studies, and chip-based mitochondrial sequencing to detect gene-dosing defects and to discover the genetic cause of disease in children with undiagnosed encephalopathies.
