Epilepsy Networks and Neuromodulation Research Group

Research Overview
Lead: Associate Professor John Archer Based at Austin Health, led by Associate Professor John Archer, the Epilepsy Networks and Neuromodulation Group uses advanced imaging, including combined EEG and functional MRI, to reveal the mechanisms underpinning the generalised epilepsies, leading to fundamentally new insights in this major epilepsy type. We have identified key, large scale, bilaterally distributed brain networks recruited by generalised epileptic activity, and now are assessing neuromodulation of these networks as a novel therapeutic approach. Our world first ESTEL study of chronic thalamic stimulation for the severe generalised epilepsy of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome suppressed epileptic discharges by 50%. Our ongoing work seeks to improve this response rate by exploring new stimulation targets and parameters.

Research Overview

Based at Austin Health, led by Associate Professor John Archer, the Epilepsy Networks and Neuromodulation Group uses advanced imaging, including combined EEG and functional MRI, to reveal the mechanisms underpinning the generalised epilepsies, leading to fundamentally new insights in this major epilepsy type. We have identified key, large scale, bilaterally distributed brain networks recruited by generalised epileptic activity, and now are assessing neuromodulation of these networks as a novel therapeutic approach. Our world first ESTEL study of chronic thalamic stimulation for the severe generalised epilepsy of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome suppressed epileptic discharges by 50%. Our ongoing work seeks to improve this response rate by exploring new stimulation targets and parameters.

Epilepsy Networks and Neuromodulation Team
Dr Linda DALIC