Research Equals Hope
For over 65 years, Epilepsy Action Australia has been at the forefront of partnering and funding research into new interventions and treatments to help improve and save lives.
Research helps to advance knowledge; to improve health; or to find better ways to understand, manage and prevent disease. Epilepsy Action Australia welcomes and supports research that significantly impacts approaches to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
We work collaboratively with world-leading medical and academic institutions on innovative research projects such as those exploring the following important areas:
-
Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which in turn provides the evidence base for developing educational materials to minimise risk
-
Potential long-term effects of anti-seizure medication on mothers and babies/children during and after pregnancy through the Australian Pregnancy Register
-
Medicinal cannabis trials to help control seizures in people with epilepsy
-
Innovative wearable technology, seizure detection and alarm systems, and thermal fabrics monitoring and controlling body temperature for those who experience heat sensitive seizures
-
Non-pharmaceutical, alternate and complementary therapies with identified potential to manage seizure activity
-
Psychological interventions to enhance quality of life.
Epilepsy Action Australia has partnered with HealthMatch to provide members with easy access to the latest clinical trials being conducted throughout Australia.
There is no doubt that research into epilepsy is underfunded, but we are committed to raising funding for this crucial area and advancing evidence-based services that target identified patient needs.
As a key focus area, we will continue to fund, develop, facilitate, promote and advocate for research on behalf of all people with epilepsy.
Clinical Trials for Better Outcomes
Further medical research is needed to find more effective treatments for epilepsy. Clinical trials include investigations in which people volunteer to test new treatments to better prevent or manage medical conditions.
People with epilepsy are in a position to help others by participating in clinical trials that can contribute to medical knowledge and result in better treatment outcomes.
Participating in a clinical trial is a commitment and you need to be fully informed about the objectives of the research, what is expected of you and any risks and potential inconveniences that may be experienced during and after the trial.
Finding a Clinical Trial
- The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) lists current or recently completed epilepsy trials.
- The U.S. National Institutes of Health has listings of currently recruiting studies.
Clinical trials contribute to medical knowledge and the results of these studies can make a difference in the care of future people by providing information about the benefits and risks of medications, products or procedures.
Other Research in Australia
The following hospital and university-based groups conduct epilepsy-related medical research in Australia:
Epilepsy Research, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland:
Epilepsy and Neuropharmacology Research Group. Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne:
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health:
One of the world’s top 10 brain research centres made up of four medical research institutes uniting to find cures for brain disease, including Howard Florey Institute, the Mental Health Research Institute, the National Stroke Research Institute and the Brain Research Institute.
Epilepsy Research Centre. Austin Hospital, Melbourne:
Comprises clinical researchers and scientists from research teams at the University of Melbourne, Austin Health and the Brain Research Institute working together to better understand the causes, treatment and outcome of epilepsy.
Neuroscience and Neurology Research Group. Monash University:
Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, South Australia:
