PhD Position: Predicting Efficacy of neuromodulation in epilepsy

University of Twente (UT), Netherlands

Updated: 5 months ago
Job Type: Temporary
Deadline: 03 Oct 2022

Within the Clinical Neurophysiology group of the Institute of Technical Medicine we have available

a PhD position for a project entitled:

Predicting Efficacy of Neuromodulation in Epilepsy

(PREDYct)

In patients with medically refractory epilepsy vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation are possible treatment options. While effective in several patients, about 30-50% of patients do not respond favorably to this treatment.

This project aims to identify novel biomarkers to predict the success of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) using ultra-long (up to more than a year) EEG measurements with a subcutaneous electrode (© UNEEG). This is complemented with (functional) MRI and high-density EEG recordings. Patients who are candidates for VNS will be implanted with the UNEEG device 2 months before implantation of the VNS. Treatment effects will be evaluated with the UNEEG electrode, complemented with diaries and questionnaires regarding epilepsy related symptoms. At present, nine patients have been implanted with the UNEEG electrode.

This project is a collaboration between the CNPH group of the University of Twente, the Neurocenter group (neurosurgery, neurology and clinical neurophysiology) of the Medisch Spectrum Twente and the epilepsy center SEIN in Zwolle.

This project is funded by the Dutch epilepsy foundation, EpilepsyNL.


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