The Epilepsy Research Group Ongoing projects
1. Astrocyte-driven brain hyperexcitability as novel treatment target for epilepsy
Group leader Kjell Heuser. This project aims to detect novel and potentially curative treatment targets for people with brain hyperexcitability disorders focusing on migraine and epilepsy. This project is based on recent observations showing that mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of migraine (spreading depolarization) may be part of the brains natural machinery to curb hyperexcitability, observed firstly by our own research group and lately replicated by others. In this project cutting edge techniques such as 2-photon microscopy and optogenetics will be used The project is an extension of studies performed in the scope of a recently finalized European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 722053 (to project leader Kjell Heuser). The group has received grants from Helse SørØst (2024. 1 postdoc and 1 phd) to study in more detail common mechanisms between these two “brain hyperactivity diseases”. The project joins forces from two strong collaborating research groups:
The Epilepsy Research Group of Oslo (ERGO), Oslo University Hospital, and Letten Centre /GliaLab, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo led by Rune Enger.
2. Is epilepsy a progressive disease?
Project leader Kjell Heuser. This is a prospective longitudinal follow-up study on people with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (Pro-TLE), focusing on changes of the clinical, radiological and neuropsychological status over a period of 10 years. Comprehensive investigations, including advanced MRI studies are conducted in patients from the time point when they are diagnosed and up to 10-years after. This study has so far led to 3 publications in international peer-revied journals. The follow-up is still ongoing and will be closed in 2028.
3. Effects of ASMs on epileptogenesis – studies in zebrafish
Project leaders Camila Esguerra, Monika Mochol and Erik Taubøll. Studies on the effect of ASMs on gene expression related to immune genes in zebra-fish have recently been finished in collaboration with NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences)(Mochol M et al Epilepsy Res 2021), and a study on the effect of ASMs on markers for inflammation in humans with epilepsy is performed together with collaborators in OUH.
Recently, we have received a postdoc position for further studies on mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis and the effects of both ASMs and anti-inflammatory drugs on these processes in zebrafish. This is a collaboration with professor Camila Esguerra and her group at NCMM (Norwegian Centre for Molecular Medicine) in UiO and the experiments will be performed in the NCMM lab by postdoc Monika Mochol and co-workers.
4. Epilepsy and cardiology
Project leader Dag Aurlien. It has become increasingly clear that several epilepsies are channelopathies, as are many cardiac arrhythmias, and are associated with many of the same channels and ions. The relationship between epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias like the long QT syndrome (LQTS) is studied. This is also of central importance for understanding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). We have also studied the impact of several years of active epilepsy on cardiac function. A phd thesis is planned to be submitted within 2025.
5. Status epilepticus
This is an important field of our research with a variety of studies.
First, we are collating national experiences on how patients with this condition are treated in Norway and how this can be improved. As there are only a few such patients at each centre, joint exchange of experiences is essential. A national reference group for SE has been established.
Over the last 3-4 years, an international collaboration with prof. Christoph Patrick Beier and his group in Odense, Denmark has been established focusing on long-term prognosis of status epilepticus. Age is an obvious risk factor of poor outcome in SE. Besides a clinical arm studying specific age-related clinical parameters in Odense, Denmark, in Oslo we have established animal studies in mice with the aim to investigate the relation between age and outcome in SE. Special focus is put on different and malignant inflammatory response in elderly mice compared to young ones. These studies are led by dr. Kjell Heuser who also is co-supervisor for 2 phd students from Denmark.
We are also one of the centres including patients in a European Status Epilepticus registry that will in a few years create a large database to be used for further studies in the field especially related to treatment procedures and how to conclude on optimal treatment.
6. Traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic epilepsy
Project leader Erik Taubøll, phd candidate Hild Flatmark Sødal. A project to study the possible predictive value of different parameters, especially related to inflammation, measured immediately after traumatic brain injuries on the frequency of posttraumatic epilepsy was started in 2021. This is an international collaborative work with groups from US and Europe and with financial support from the US Department of Defence. First results will be published in 2025.
In addition, studies on early posttraumatic seizures based on databases in department of Neurosurgery, and studies based on the national traumaregistry have been conducted during the last 2-3 years in collaboration with among others professor Eirik Helseth, department of Neurosurgery OUH and professor Leiv Arne Rosseland, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care OUH.
7. The Prehospital Seizure Control trial – (PreCtrl)
Project leader Maren Ranhoff Hov. ERGO is one of several collaborators in this study that started in 2024. The intention is to describe the prehospital and initial in-hospital pathways and treatment of patients with seizures, to standardize national EMS guidelines and improve time to control in seizure management for better prognosis for the patients. We also plan to implement a new model for standardizing competence, communication and treatment for prehospital seizure assessment – the PreCTRL model. PhD student is Ingrid Hustad.
The other collaborators are: The Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation with project leader Maren Ranhoff Hov, Faculty of Health Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Department of Prehospital services, OUH.
In addition to these main areas of research, the group also has interests in epilepsy and endocrinology, women and epilepsy, ketogenic diet, epilepsy and dementia and genetics in epilepsy.