CompletedNot Applicable

Determining the Extent of Diffusion Tensor Abnormalities in Focal Cortical Dysplasia

Canada12 participantsStarted 2007-05

Plain-language summary

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is a common finding in epilepsy surgery in pediatric patients. Children with intractable epilepsy would have extensive tests to identify the cause of epilepsy; this includes MR brain, video EEG and magnetoencephalography (MEG). The white matter next to FCD is frequently found to be abnormal on pathology. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can be used to study the abnormal white matter and the area that often extends beyond the area that is visible.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Children with intractable epilepsy with suspected FCD for MRI \& MEG Exclusion Criteria: * Children with contraindications to MRI such as those with pacemaker

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Evaluate the subcortical white matter in the visualized MR abnormality as well as beyond the visualized MR abnormality but subjacent to the MEG dipoles

Timeframe: Immediately after MEG

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00687024

SponsorThe Hospital for Sick Children

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2013-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Focal Cortical Dysplasia trials