Non-Helium Magnetoencephalography in Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy
China100 participantsStarted 2024-11-05
Plain-language summary
The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Magnetoencephalography (MEG) in the preoperative assessment of children with refractory epilepsy, particularly in identifying the seizure focus, and to compare it with the gold standard methods of Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) and Electrocorticography (ECoG).
The main questions this study aims to answer are:
1. How consistent is MEG with SEEG/ECoG in locating the epileptic focus in children with refractory epilepsy?
2. What is the clinical efficacy of MEG in identifying epileptic foci?
Participants will:
1. Be divided into 2 groups: the case group and the control group. Participants in the case group will undergo both MEG and SEEG/ECoG for preoperative assessment, while patients in the control group will undergo only SEEG/ECoG before surgery.
2. Be followed up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery to assess seizure control, neurological function, and quality of life.
Who can participate
Age range
3 Years – 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
. Age range: 3-18 years old;
. Clinically diagnosed with refractory epilepsy;
. Capable of cooperating with magnetoencephalography evaluation and recording.
Exclusion criteria
. Patients with serious comorbidities or neurological or psychiatric disorders that affect magnetoencephalography examination.
. Patients using drugs that affect central nervous system function;
. Patients who are not suitable for surgical procedures;
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
1
Agreement in Epileptogenic Zone Localization Between Magnetoencephalography (MEG) and Stereoelectroencephalography/Electrocorticography (SEEG/ECoG) (Kappa Coefficient)
Timeframe: From enrollment to 12 months after surgery.
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07064421
SponsorGuangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center