Efficacy of probenecid on cluster seizures during dosage reduction of Anti Seizure Medication (ASM) in presurgical focal epilepsy video-EEG monitoring
This study investigates a new use for an existing medicine called probenecid. It focuses on adults with a type of epilepsy called focal epilepsy. These patients are in hospital for special monitoring before possible surgery, which involves gradually reducing their regular epilepsy medication. This reduction can sometimes trigger 'cluster seizures' – meaning two or more seizures within a short period. The study aims to find out if probenecid can effectively prevent these cluster seizures from happening for a period of time after it's given. Some participants will receive probenecid, while others will get a dummy pill (placebo). Doctors will carefully watch video and brainwave (EEG) recordings to see if the medicine helps reduce or stop these seizures, and if it affects other seizure-related issues.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into whether a medicine called probenecid can help people who experience 'cluster seizures' during a specific time. Cluster seizures are when someone has several seizures close together, for example, two or more seizures within six hours. This often happens to people with focal epilepsy who are in hospital for special brain monitoring before they might have surgery for their epilepsy.
During this hospital stay, doctors often carefully lower the patient's usual epilepsy medication. This is done to try and trigger seizures, which helps them pinpoint exactly where in the brain the seizures are starting. While this monitoring is very important, reducing medication can sometimes lead to these cluster seizures, which can be distressing.
The main goal of this study is to see if probenecid can prevent or reduce these cluster seizures for a period of time (between 1 hour and 12 hours) after it's given. Half of the participants will receive probenecid, and the other half will receive a dummy pill (placebo). Doctors will closely observe patients using video and brainwave (EEG) recordings to see if the medicine makes a difference. They'll also check if it reduces the need for other seizure-stopping medications or affects the number of seizures overall.
Key takeaways
- This study investigates probenecid for cluster seizures in focal epilepsy patients.
- It's for adults having reduced epilepsy medication during pre-surgical hospital stay.
- Participants will receive either probenecid or a dummy pill (placebo).
- Doctors will check if the drug reduces seizures using video and brainwave monitoring.
- Your health and safety are closely monitored during the study.
- You can stop participating at any time without affecting your care.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you must be an adult aged 18 or over. This study is for people who have focal epilepsy and are currently in hospital undergoing video-EEG monitoring before potential epilepsy surgery.
During this hospital stay, your doctors will be gradually lowering your usual epilepsy medication. This study is specifically for those who experience 'cluster seizures' – meaning they have at least two seizures, each lasting less than 10 minutes, within a six-hour period during this monitoring.
Both men and women can take part. Your doctor will be able to tell you if you meet all the necessary requirements to join this study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have focal epilepsy?
- Are you currently in hospital for video-EEG monitoring for potential epilepsy surgery?
- Are your doctors gradually reducing your usual epilepsy medication as part of this monitoring?
- Have you experienced at least two seizures (each less than 10 minutes) within a 6-hour period during this monitoring?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will already be in hospital for your pre-surgical video-EEG monitoring. When you experience a cluster of seizures during this monitoring, you might be offered the chance to join the study.
If you agree, you will either receive a dose of probenecid or a dummy pill (placebo). You won't know which one you're getting, and neither will your doctors at the time – this is to make sure the results are as fair as possible. After taking the medication, your medical team will continue to closely monitor you using video and brainwave (EEG) recordings for the next 12 hours. They will be watching to see if you have any more seizures, how long they last, and if other medications are needed.
Throughout your participation, the medical team will also keep track of things like your heart rate, blood pressure, and any changes in your overall condition or any side effects. This monitoring will continue for the duration of your standard video-EEG hospital stay. There are no extra visits required outside of your hospital admission.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —UnverifiedFrance
Common questions
What is focal epilepsy?
Focal epilepsy is when seizures start in just one specific area of your brain.
What are 'cluster seizures'?
Cluster seizures mean having a few seizures close together, for example, two or more within six hours.
What is 'video-EEG monitoring'?
It's a special hospital stay where doctors record your seizures with video and brainwave (EEG) tests to find out where they start.
What is a 'placebo'?
A placebo is a dummy pill that looks like the real medicine but contains no active drug. It helps ensure fair comparison in studies.
What is probenecid?
Probenecid is an existing medicine, but this study is looking at a new use for it in treating cluster seizures.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.