Research Report 2022

Young Epilepsy coordinates and funds research into the causes, treatments and impact of all aspects of childhood epilepsy. We want to secure the best outcome for everyone affected by the childhood epilepsies and we know the best way to do this is through research.

During the past year, our research programme has continued to conduct over 40 active projects. Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on all our lives, wee initiated seven new research projects. 

These projects focussed on a vast array of topics, including the development of web-based interventions for staff currently supporting children with epilepsy, the advancement of cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques, and a six-year follow-up study investigating the neurodevelopmental status of children who presented with epilepsy in the first year of life.

Whilst these new projects are just a snapshot of the entire research programme; their diversity demonstrates our commitment to encouraging all areas of epilepsy research.

Whilst we continue to conduct research into understanding and treating epilepsy, we recognise the importance of providing outstanding support through educational, psychosocial, and service-based research.

🔬 What We Do

We run over 40 research projects to:

We focus on three main areas:

  1. Understanding Childhood Epilepsies
  2. Outstanding Treatments
  3. Outstanding Support

🌟 Key Highlights from 2021–2022

  • We started 7 new research projects, including studies on brain imaging and mental health.
  • We published 89 research papers and 26 expert reviews.
  • We hosted our biggest-ever Research Retreat with 157 attendees.
  • We launched exciting new technology like wearable brain scanners (OPM-MEG) to help diagnose epilepsy in children more comfortably.

🧪 Two Big Projects

OPM-MEG Brain Imaging

  • A new child-friendly brain scan tool
  • Helps doctors plan better surgeries
  • Will soon be part of our regular clinical services

MICE Mental Health Study

  • Supports children with epilepsy and mental health challenges
  • Uses tailored therapy to improve wellbeing
  • Over 300 children took part in the study

Our Impact

  • Our research helps children get diagnosed earlier and receive better care.
  • We’re making schools more supportive through training for teachers.
  • We’re building a strong network of researchers, families, and professionals.

We Listen to Families

We include parents, carers, and young people in our research planning through our E-CURe network. Their voices help us ask the right questions and find better answers.

Top Research Priorities

We’re focusing on:

  • Preventing epilepsy-related deaths
  • Understanding causes of epilepsy
  • Improving mental health and learning
  • Using AI and genetics for better treatments

If you’d like to help shape future research, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we create possible.