Research

This section is dedicated to keeping you updated on research in the epilepsy world. So much about epilepsy remains a mystery. One day we hope a cure for seizures will be found. Research studies need people with and without epilepsy to help solve this complicated disorder. Please see if you can help out with any of the research initiatives below.

The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project, Nationwide

EPGP is a research project funded by a federal grant from the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to help understand epilepsy. The goals are to understand why some families have epilepsy and to help researches find more effective treatments for epilepsy. This study needs to enroll 6750 people so go to www.epgp.org to see if you or someone you know are eligible to join this landmark study. You may also contact Dr. Edward Novotny at Seattle Children’s Hospital at 206-987-2078.

Lacosamide (Vimpat) Drug Trial, Renton, WA

Led by principal researcher, Dr. David Vossler of the Washington Neuroscience Institute at Valley Medical Center in Renton, WA this study is held at the Rainier Clinical Research Center also located in Renton, WA. The study is a monotherapy trial for lacosamide (Vimpat) for partial-onset seizures that runs for up to 2.5 years. The second is an adjunctive trial for lacosamide (Vimpat) for primary generalized Tonic-Clonic seizures, which also runs for up to 2.5 years. All care and study medication are free and patients are reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses. People with epilepsy interested in participating in the trial should contact Dr. David Vossler at 425-656-4004.

Epilepsy Clinical Trial, Tacoma, WA & Nationwide

Laura Hershkowitz, D.O. is conducting a clinical trial at Multicare Adult Neurology in Tacoma, WA to examine if a new investigational add-on (or ‘adjunctive’) antiepileptic medication is effective in controlling partial onset seizures when taken along with other antiepileptic medication(s). To qualify for this study, people with epilepsy 16 years and up must be taking one or two antiepileptic med­ications, and have had at least 4 partial-on­set seizures over the past 4 weeks. Learn more and take the study screener today to see if you qualify www.epilepsyclinicalstudy.net or 1-877-444-9990.