FRN-Logo-2023-VF
Donate
FRN-Logo-2023-VF
Donate

Epilepsy Research Study Registration

Study Details

Timeframe
April 2026

Location
Epilepsy Services of New Jersey
50 Millstone Road
Building 300, Suite 201, East Windsor, NJ

Contact
Olivia Gordon
Director of Public Health Programs 

Make a Call
Send an Email
Apply Now
*Participation is completely voluntary*

*Selected child-caregiver pairs will receive a $400 stipend for their time and travel*

Eligibility Criteria:

For the kids with CAE we are looking for:

  • Seizure Onset: Between 4-12
  • Absence seizures: Multiple per day at onset
  • Abrupt Onset and Offset:
    • No Aura: The child has no warning before the seizure.
    • No Post-Ictal State: There is no confusion or drowsiness afterward; the child resumes activity immediately. This distinguishes CAE from Focal Impaired Awareness seizures (which usually cause post-seizure confusion).
  • Brief Duration: Events are very short, typically lasting 5 to 30 sec
  • Normal Development: Children with CAE typically have normal neurological and cognitive development, distinguishing it from epileptic encephalopathies like Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

Healthy Controls:  We are looking for caregivers of children age 4-12 with minimal exposure to epilepsy (avoiding children with sibling with epilepsy for example).

Hyperventilation (HV) Contraindications:

  • Sickle Cell Disease/Trait: High risk of inducing a sickle cell crisis or stroke.
  • Moyamoya Disease: Risk of ischemic stroke due to constriction of already fragile vessels.
  • Recent Stroke or TIA: Any history of stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack within the last 12 months.
  • Intracranial Hemorrhage: Recent bleeding within the skull (e.g., subarachnoid hemorrhage).
  • Severe Cardiopulmonary Disease: Recent heart attack, unstable angina, or severe lung disease requiring oxygen.
  • Pregnancy: To avoid potential fetal distress (often avoided entirely).
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension: Severe high blood pressure.
  • Severe Asthma: Risk of triggering an attack due to rapid, dry breathing.