Epilepsy: 

Epilepsy and pregnancy; Pharmaokinetics; Electric nerve stimulation; Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP); Epilepsy surgery

1.     SUDEP: The incidence of SUDEP in children of younger adults are being explored. We will investigate neurological and cardiological co-morbidities as specific risk factors for SUDEP. Heart rate variabilities in adults with epilepsy will be analyzed and a potential long-term predictive value of heart rate monitoring in adult patients with severe epilepsy and intellectual disability will be explored.

2.     Electric nerve stimulation: Internal electric nerve stimulation is a palliative treatment option for patients with medically intractable epilepsy and depression. Recently a new type of external vagus nerve stimulation has been developed which provides unique new possibilities to conduct experimental and clinical studies of electric neuromodulation. We will evaluate the efficacy, safety and usability of external vagus nerve stimulation in patients with epilepsy.

3.     Epilepsy and pregnancy: We take part in the International Registry of Antiepileptic Drugs and Pregnancy (EURAP) and are currently evaluating maternal and foetal risks associated with antiepilepticdrug exposure. The effect of electric nerve stimulation on pregnancy outcome will also be investigated.

4: Epilepsy surgery: Long-term psycho-social outcomes of epilepsy surgery and post-surgical management of antiepileptic drugs are currently being investigated.

None