AMICE: Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Complex Epilepsy

In this study, Eindhoven University of Technology, Maastricht University, Philips and Friendly Pixel propose in a collaborative effort to use improved MRI scans to detect treatment effectiveness in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a common disease that affects the brain, and can cause severe physical and mental symptoms. Our improved MRI technique can detect relevant aspects including neurotransmitter metabolism and functional network efficiency, which is not possible with conventional methods. We will use this technique to study 114 patients with epilepsy who receive new medication, after two other medications have failed to yield beneficial effects (seizure reduction and/or no side effects). We will then evaluate the results of our MRI scans in relationship with the patients' self-reported treatment progress, and assessments of cognition and mood as assessed by a smartphone app. In addition to studying people with epilepsy, we will also use our improved MRI technique to study healthy volunteers. This will help us to improve and refine our technique so that it can be used more effectively in the clinic. If our technique is successful, it could be used in the clinic to treatment effectiveness. It could also be used to study other neurodegenerative diseases and could thus have mayor economic benefits.

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