Children's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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Clinical Services (Epilepsy Program):
Improving Treatment through Research
Children's Hospital Boston is one of the largest pediatric research centers in the world. Our clinical epileptologists and basic science researchers work together so discoveries from the laboratory quickly become new treatments for children. Here are a few examples of clinical studies resulting from work completed by our scientists.

  • Laboratory discoveries detailing the physiology and biochemistry of a baby's brain recently explained why most infants seem immune to anticonvulsants. This led to the development of new treatments specific to infant biology, including a pilot study of bumetanide now enrolling newborns experiencing early seizures.
  • Investigation of a novel approach to seizure treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
  • Evaluation of the effect of frequent epileptic discharges during sleep and of their treatment on intellectual function.
Much of the research in the Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology is conducted in the Developmental Neurophysiology Laboratory or the Center for Research in Pediatric Epilepsy.

Children's clinical team actively evaluates new antiepileptic drugs and typically has two or three studies ongoing at any time. Our Clinical Neuropharmacology Program is currently studying the following anticonvulsants:

  • Levetiracetam given through a vein.
  • Clobazam for Lennox-Gastaut patients with drop attacks.
  • Rufinamide for partial seizures.
  • Investigation of a novel approach to seizure treatment called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation.
  • Evaluation of the effect of frequent epileptic discharges during sleep and of their treatment on intellectual function.
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Neurodynamics Laboratory
During the one to two weeks patients spend in the long-term monitoring unit, a wealth of data is collected to determine the best course of action for that patient. But much of that data can also be used to help future patients through research.

In the Neurodynamics Laboratory, headed by Dr. Joseph Madsen, researchers use data from long-term monitoring to devise better ways of mapping functional areas in the brain. Results of this research could improve the accuracy and safety of focal resection surgery in the future, as well as improve the outlook for patients who suffer strokes, tumors and brain injuries.

Data from long-term monitoring is also helping researchers learn to predict which patients will benefit from vagal nerve stimulation and which are unlikely to see much improvement.

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