Pediatrics

We are pursuing questions about the temporal and spatial mechanistic basis of the epileptogenic models through continuous in-vivo intracranial electrical recordings and sequentially staged brain imaging studies coupled with in-vitro physiological analysis, and quantitative histology during four critical phases during epileptogenesis:

1) pre-seizure state
2) status epilepticus phase
3) epilepsy latent period
4) spontaneous/recurrent seizure period.

We are exploring the combinations of analytical techniques, which should be used to characterize each stage of the epileptogenic process. We go from in-vivo chronic recordings combined with high-field MRI measurements, slice physiology/quantitative histology, and microelectrode array recordings. We have assembled a team consisting of experts in computation, modeling, and experimental neuroscience and anticipate intense collaboration between investigators that will occur over a protracted period of project development. The results of this project will provide a framework for the design of experiments and the generation of new hypotheses that can help to elucidate the dynamical mechanisms underlying the epileptogenic process and our specific goal to elucidate the spatial-temporal features critical to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. The broader impact and outcomes of this project will not just elucidate the transition to epilepsy but establish a foundation upon which neuroscience models can be built and validated. Given the rapid evolution and maturation of techniques in brain machine interfaces it is even more important that modeling and control techniques be based and developed upon profound longitudinal studies of this kind under controlled conditions. The ultimate goal of this research is to establish the foundation upon which intervention strategies can be implemented for epilepsy and other neurophysiological pathologies.

For more information, please visit: http://www.bme.ufl.edu/research/projects

National Institutes of Health Collaborative Research in Computational Neuroscience (Integrating Electrophysiology, Imaging, and Nonlinear Dynamics)

Wilder Center for Epilepsy Research

Children’s Miracle Network