Understanding How Gut and Mouth Bacteria Affect Epilepsy and Seizure Medication Response An Observational Study of Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy Patients and Healthy Controls Aged 2 to 79

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the link between the bacteria in the gut and mouth microbiota and different types of epilepsy, as well as how these bacteria might influence the effectiveness of seizure medicines. This observational study focuses on individuals newly diagnosed with epilepsy who have not yet started treatment, compared with healthy controls. The study aims to understand how microbiota profiles relate to epilepsy subtypes and treatment responses, with the goal of improving seizure control and reducing side effects in the future. Participants will provide biological samples including blood, stool, and saliva, with cerebrospinal fluid samples collected if available from medical procedures. Healthy controls provide stool and saliva samples. Samples will be collected at diagnosis and again at about three months during treatment evaluation. For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, additional samples and questionnaires will be collected before and after alternative treatments like ketogenic diet, nerve stimulation, or surgery. Throughout the study, participants complete online questionnaires about health and lifestyle. Researchers will analyze microbial composition using advanced sequencing and bioinformatics tools to identify patterns linked to epilepsy types and treatment efficacy. They will also assess inflammation and metabolic profiles in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Data from medical records on diagnosis, treatment, and seizure burden will be included. The study spans several years, with outcomes measured up to three years after sample collection.

EPIGUT: EPILEPSY AND GASTROINTESTINAL MICROBIOTA: UNDERSTANDING THERAPY RESPONSE