Researcher wearing gloves uses lab tools
Comprehensive Epilepsy Program

Our epilepsy faculty participate in diverse research efforts ranging from individual clinical projects to nationally funded multi-center clinical trials and basic science studies.
Collaborations

Active research collaborations with other departments or programs include interdisciplinary studies with the Departments of Biological Chemistry, Bioengineering, Human Genetics, the Michigan Neuroscience Institute, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Neuroradiology (including functional and structural MRI, PET and SPECT studies), Neurosurgery, Pharmacology, Physics, Psychiatry and Psychology.
Our Research Investigations

Ongoing research investigations include:

  • Experimental anti-seizure drug trials
  • Basic science studies of experimental temporal lobe epilepsy
  • Mouse, zebrafish and human pluripotent stem cell studies of genetic epilepsies
  • Rodent in vivo genome editing models of focal cortical dysplasia
  • The effects of sleep apnea treatment on epilepsy
  • Vagal nerve stimulation in children and adults
  • Bioengineering applications to epilepsy research, including studies of seizure prediction and biomarkers of epileptogenesis, such as automated analysis of high-frequency oscillations
  • Coping strategies and treatment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures
  • Epilepsy health services and outcomes research
  • Optimization of EEG in critical care
  • Psychosocial and disability determinants in epilepsy
  • SUDEP mechanisms and biomarkers
Our Funding Success

Multiple clinical and basic science research laboratories are run by our faculty, who receive funding from NIH, private foundations and industry. We currently hold the following awards:

  • Four R01 awards
  • One U54 award
  • Multiple K awards

We were part of a prior NIH Epilepsy Centers Without Walls (CWOW) U grant to study SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), and we currently lead a second NIH Epilepsy CWOW on Functional Genetics in Epilepsy.
Program Co-Directors
profile-jack-parent-2014 Jack M Parent
William J Herdman Professor of Neurology
Professor of Neurology
Research Professor
Michigan Neuroscience Institute
Co-Division Chief Epilepsy
labcoat Linda M Selwa, MD
Professor of Neurology
Associate Chair of Clinical Operations, Department of Neurology
Co-Division Chief Epilepsy
Service Chief
Ambulatory Care Clinical Chief