The impact of our research
Epilepsy affects one in 150 Australians and causes recurrent seizures. Our current medical knowledge is not sufficiently advanced to accurately predict how patients will respond to medication, or whether they can successfully be seizure-free.
“A major challenge for neuroscience is to understand how disorders like epilepsy emerge from the brain’s densely interconnected network of neurons (the “connectome”) and complex patterns of neural activity.” – Associate Professor James Roberts
QIMR Berghofer researchers are undertaking the Genetics of Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy Study (GenPhEp Study) to better understand drug-resistant epilepsy and find new ways to treat it.
We’re developing new diagnostic and treatment tools for patients who have debilitating, drug-resistant epilepsy.
About epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurrent seizures. This affects behaviour, awareness, and sensation.
There are many causes of epilepsy, including:
- genetic factors
- injuries, trauma, or tumours
- diseases affecting the brain
- disorders
- or cerebrovascular events.
Epilepsy affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds and is not limited to a specific demographic.
Epilepsy is characterised by:
- jerking and shaking, called a "fit";
- awareness and staring blankly into space;
- body becoming stiff;
- experiencing strange sensations such as a "rising" feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs;
- collapsing.
In Australia, approximately one person in every 150 has been diagnosed with epilepsy. This makes it one of the most common neurological disorders in the country.
Medication is the first line of treatment for epilepsy. Approximately two-thirds of people with epilepsy respond well to medication and can become seizure-free.
For those who do not respond to medication, other treatment options include:
- surgery;
- vagus nerve stimulation;
- dietary therapies including ketogenic and modified Atkins diet.