Finding genetic causes of hard-to-treat childhood epilepsy

This research study is looking for genetic mutations in the brain that cause certain types of hard-to-treat focal epilepsy in children. Researchers will collect small samples of brain tissue and blood from children who are already having epilepsy surgery, then study the DNA to find mutations that may have caused the seizures. By understanding these genetic causes, doctors hope to develop better treatments in the future.

Many children with focal epilepsy don't respond well to anti-seizure medications, and surgery is sometimes their best option. Recent discoveries show that specific genetic mutations in the brain are responsible for many of these cases, but doctors still don't fully understand all the causes. This study aims to identify these mutations so that treatment can be more precise and personalized.