Tain L Hermitage

Epilepsy can cause cognitive difficulties, especially in attention, which may impact daily activities like driving. Driving is important for independence and social and work integration for people with epilepsy. French laws define when people with epilepsy should not drive, but clear methods for assessing driving ability in these individuals are lacking. This research aims to improve assessment of driving fitness in epilepsy by combining a driving simulator with EEG to better understand how cognitive impairments affect driving. The study involves two groups people with epilepsy who drive at least once a month and healthy volunteers matched by age, sex, and driving experience who also drive at least monthly. Participants will use a driving simulator while EEG data is collected to evaluate various aspects of driving performance. This observational study does not involve treatment but focuses on measuring driving-related cognitive functions. Participants will be evaluated on multiple driving performance measures on Day 0, including speed, lane position, braking time, attention, information processing, and visual scanning. The study team will monitor and analyze these outcomes to understand the effects of epilepsy on driving skills. The study includes adults aged 18 to 65 who hold a valid driving license and are active drivers. Participation involves a single-day assessment using the simulator and EEG, with no treatment or extended follow-up required.

This research aims to identify volatile organic compounds VOCs in people with epilepsy that could predict epileptic seizures before they occur. Epileptic seizures cause significant psychological stress and reduce quality of life. Current seizure detection devices mainly detect seizures after they happen and do not predict them. The study also considers psychogenic non-epileptic seizures PNES that can be mistaken for epileptic seizures but require different management. The goal is to develop reliable, non-invasive prediction tools based on the unique odors emitted by people before a seizure. Participants will undergo continuous and systematic VOC sampling at specific times throughout the day and during seizures. Samples will be collected using compresses applied to the forehead, palms, and back of the neck, with participants asked to exhale into a bag if possible. Sampling occurs every 3 hours at two sites HFAR and Institut La TEPPE. This includes special sampling during seizures lasting from the start to five minutes after the event. During the study, participants will have video-EEG monitoring for at least 48 hours. Researchers will analyze collected VOC samples to identify odors linked to seizures, taking into account seizure types and individual differences. The main outcome is the identification of VOC biopredictors of epileptic seizures on the first day of sampling. Participants medical and social security status will be confirmed, and consent will be obtained. The study monitors participants until the end of the sampling and follow-up periods.

Researchers are evaluating the impact of mindfulness on quality of life in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition often complicated by anxiety and depression. The study aims to assess if mindfulness can help patients better manage stress, self-acceptance, and emotional challenges related to their chronic condition. This non-drug approach is being compared to a psycho-educative program to find ways to improve well-being without medication side effects. The study has two phases. In the first phase, after a 2-month baseline period without intervention, participants are randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group or a psycho-educative group, each attending 12 weekly sessions over 3 months. Following this, both groups are monitored for 6 months. In the optional second phase, those originally in the psycho-educative group can join the mindfulness program and will be followed for an additional 6 months. Participants will attend regular assessment visits every 3 months and keep daily records of seizure frequency and emotional state. Researchers will evaluate quality of life using a specific questionnaire at 9 months and monitor changes in seizures, psychiatric symptoms, anxiety, stress, self-acceptance, and cognitive function. The study includes careful follow-up to understand how these interventions influence patients overall health and emotional well-being over time.

This research focuses on adults with epilepsy, a condition marked by neurological seizures that can cause lasting challenges and social stigma. The study aims to understand how psychological factors like anxiety, stigma, and illness identity influence physical activity levels in people with epilepsy, as well as how physical activity identity interacts with these factors. Improving physical activity is important because it can enhance quality of life, social participation, and reduce stress and seizure frequency. Participants will complete an online questionnaire that assesses their physical and sports activity levels. This questionnaire is administered twice, once at the start and again after six months, to observe changes or maintenance in physical activity over time. The study is observational and does not involve any drug or device treatments. During the study, participants are asked to complete the same questionnaire twice, six months apart. Researchers will measure maintained physical activity between the initial and six-month assessments. The study will also consider the effects of psychological and social factors on physical activity engagement. Participation involves self-reporting through the questionnaire, with no other interventions or medical procedures involved.