Research

Epilepsy’s effects on those diagnosed is multifaceted: the ability to live independently declines, depression and anxiety are often comorbid, and memory tends to deteriorate. Memory loss often agrees with our knowledge of anatomy, as many seizure foci occur within or near the hippocampus (one of the brain regions critical for the creation and storage of memories). DHMC improves care for patients through detailed video-and-EEG-based characterization of each individual’s seizures. This occurs during a week-long stay, during which memory is also studied. Over the course of their stay, while EEG records their brain activity, patients watch a short nature film and are asked questions about it to test their verbal, visual, and episodic memory.

Our long term goal is to use the EEG recordings to identify the specific pattern of brain activity associated with forgetting. If the “forgetting” pattern can be identified and then be localized to a specific brain region, it is our hope that this region could be targeted for treatment, improving memory deficits experienced by those with epilepsy.