Tain L Hermitage

Epilepsy can cause problems with cognitive functions, especially attention, which may impact everyday activities like driving. Driving is important for independence and social and work life for people with epilepsy. French laws specify when people with epilepsy are not allowed to drive, but how to properly assess driving ability in these individuals is not clearly defined. Currently, driving fitness is mainly judged through medical consultations rather than thorough evaluations. Researchers are exploring the use of a driving simulator combined with EEG monitoring to better understand how epilepsy-related cognitive impairments affect driving skills. This approach aims to provide a more complete assessment of driving performance in people with epilepsy. Participants will be assessed on various driving-related skills such as speed, alertness, lane position, braking time, information processing, sustained attention, divided attention, and visual scanning. These measurements are taken on the first day of evaluation to determine the impact of epilepsy on driving abilities and help improve fitness-to-drive assessments.

The unpredictability of epileptic seizures causes ongoing psychological stress for people with epilepsy, significantly impacting their quality of life. Predicting seizures could help patients take preventive treatments, avoid injuries from falls, allow some to drive safely, and reduce medical costs. Current seizure detection devices do not effectively predict seizures, and existing prediction systems often involve invasive brain implants, which have acceptance challenges. Additionally, around 20% of people with drug-resistant epilepsy experience psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), which differ in management and are difficult to distinguish from epileptic seizures. Research shows people with epilepsy emit specific odors before and during seizures, detectable up to three hours prior, suggesting the potential for non-invasive seizure prediction through human volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study focuses on identifying the VOCs linked to epileptic seizures across different seizure types, including focal seizures, focal seizures with secondary generalization, and generalized seizures (motor and non-motor). VOC samples will be collected continuously every three hours at the HFAR center throughout the monitoring period and systematically during the day at Institut La TEPPE. Additional samples will be taken during seizures from the forehead, palms, and back of the neck using compresses, with participants asked to exhale into sealed bags if possible. Participants will undergo at least 48 hours of video-EEG monitoring while VOC samples are collected at scheduled intervals and during seizures. Researchers will analyze these samples to identify odor markers that predict seizures, considering factors like seizure type and individual differences. The primary outcome is identifying VOC biopredictors on the first day. Participants must consent to the study, and safety will be monitored throughout. This research aims to develop a reliable, non-invasive tool to anticipate epileptic seizures and distinguish them from PNES to improve patient care and safety.

This research aims to assess the impact of a mindfulness program on the quality of life in adults with drug-resistant epilepsy, a condition often complicated by anxiety and depression. The study focuses on managing these psychiatric conditions without additional medications to avoid side effects. Mindfulness is proposed as a way to help patients better cope with their chronic disease by reducing stress, fostering self-kindness, accepting the illness, and decreasing negative thoughts related to epilepsy. The study has two main phases. In the first, after a 2-month baseline period without intervention, participants are randomly assigned to either a mindfulness group or a psycho-educational control group, each lasting 3 months. The mindfulness intervention consists of group sessions with up to 10 people, each lasting 2 hours, for a total of 12 sessions led by a trained practitioner. The control group attends a psycho-educational program with the same format and schedule, developed by neurology experts. After these programs, both groups are followed for 6 months. In the optional second phase, control group participants may join the mindfulness program and will be monitored for 6 months after. Participants will have assessment visits every 3 months and keep a daily diary recording seizure counts and a self-rating of their emotional state. Researchers will measure changes in quality of life using a specific questionnaire over 9 months. The study monitors participants closely to understand how mindfulness influences their well-being and emotional management related to epilepsy.

Epilepsy affects nearly 600,000 people in France and involves neurological seizures that may cause lasting impairments and social stigma. This research aims to better understand how anxiety, stigma, and personal illness identity interact with physical activity identity to influence how people with epilepsy engage in physical activity, which is known to improve quality of life, social participation, and reduce stress and seizure frequency. Despite these benefits, many people with epilepsy are less active than others due to fear of seizures during exercise, fatigue, and negative beliefs about their condition. Participants complete an online questionnaire that assesses their physical activity levels. This questionnaire is completed twice, with a six-month gap between the first and second completion, allowing researchers to monitor changes over time. The study focuses on behavioral assessment through these surveys. During the study, participants' physical activity is measured at the start (Day 0) and after six months. The study collects data on maintained physical activity over this period. By analyzing questionnaire responses, researchers aim to understand factors affecting exercise habits among adults with epilepsy. Participants are expected to complete both the initial and follow-up questionnaires to remain in the study.