Child Development - RESEARCH

Rolandic Epilepsy - Self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes

Our interest in the developing brain initially stemmed from an interest in Rolandic Epilepsy (RE) and its high co-occurrence with neurodevelopmental conditions. Whilst our interests in the brain have evolved over the years, we still remain committed to furthering our knowledge of RE. Given the lower numbers of applications we tend to receive related to this topic, we no longer have a specific deadline but encourage any researcher with an interest in these areas to get in touch with us. We would love to hear what you are up to and how we might be able to collaborate in the future!

Our Research Strategy for Rolandic Epilepsy (RE)

Our continued interest in this area centers around three main areas:

1. Clinician Awareness and Support: Recognising the link between neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), sleep, and RE is crucial for providing comprehensive patient care. Research in this area should:

• Develop educational initiatives to enhance clinician awareness of the interconnections between RE, NDD, and sleep.
• Explore effective methods for ensuring patients diagnosed with RE receive appropriate NDD support, potentially through the development of guidelines or protocols.

2. Long-Term Outcomes of RE: The long-term effects of RE beyond seizure outcomes warrant comprehensive investigation. While existing studies have focused on seizure frequency, there is a notable gap in understanding the extended impact on cognitive/memory function and brain structure. Research efforts should prioritise prospective, long-term, and randomised studies to elucidate:

• The influence of Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs) on both seizure frequency and cognition, identifying specific drugs that may have differential effects.
• Whether cognitive recovery occurs spontaneously with epilepsy remission or if challenges persist, particularly in the critical teenage/early adult phase post-seizure remission.
• Identifying a potential 'high-risk' period during assumed remission can significantly contribute to our understanding of the condition's resolution and persistence.

3. Learning and Language: Addressing the linguistic and memory impairments prevalent in RE requires a multifaceted approach. Research initiatives should:

• Explore the disruption of long-range networks by Rolandic spiking and its impact on developmental refinement and memory consolidation.
• Investigate whether RE interrupts memory consolidation during sleep, potentially uncovering novel therapeutic interventions.

By addressing these key research areas, we aim to advance our understanding of RE, improve clinical outcomes, and contribute to the development of targeted interventions for individuals affected by this complex condition.