NINDS Public Crowdsourcing Community Ideas

Understanding the Genotype-Phenotype Relationship (Relevant to areas: 1A, 2A, 2F, 3C)

Our understanding of the major genes associated with causal-mutations in the genetic epilepsies has vastly increased in the last two decades, there is still so much that is poorly understood about how genotypes correspond to phenotypic outcomes amongst patients with similar causal mutations. Researchers have begun to investigate the... more »

As a community of 19 patient and professional groups across the epilepsy community, we applaud the work of the Benchmark Committee and NINDS for launching this open call for transformative priorities for "Curing the Epilepsies". Looking back over the 20 years invested in national conferences toward Curing the Epilepsies and 3 cycles of Benchmarks to set priorities, we are concerned that progress for persons living and... more »

This priority will transform epilepsy research by integrating modern science into modern care for patients with epilepsy.

For example, a patient with as yet unexplained non-acquired epilepsy should be considered to have genetic epilepsy until proven otherwise and appropriately evaluated. If the first line of evaluation is unrevealing he or she should have an iterative re-analysis of cause in tandem with empiric therapy.... more »

More substantive research priorities, however well framed and targeted, can not alone overcome the inefficiencies and silo-ed structure for clinical care and research in the epilepsies.

By integrating clinical care and research—the standard for decades in pediatric oncology—we will get on a path where we will start seeing improvements in the quality of life for all those living with and too often dying from epilepsy.... more »

Coming from the world of families with children ravaged by the many rare and catastrophic epilepsies, we suggest consideration of a benchmark where every child with epilepsy is enrolled in a clinical trial. Our children are already guinea pigs, but their experiences are not treated with the respect of a common lab rat. The vital data on the impact of the constantly changing cocktails to try to control their treatment... more »