Investigations of Spatial Recognition Memory to Improve Cognitive Outcomes in Epilepsy Surgery

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how the brain recognizes and remembers spatial scenes in people with temporal lobe epilepsy and lesions in the temporal lobe. Standard memory tests often miss important memory problems these patients face, especially with spatial and scene memory. The study aims to better understand how different brain areas contribute to familiarity-based recognition and recall using a virtual tour task and brain recording techniques. The goal is to improve predicting and preventing memory problems after epilepsy surgery. The study includes three main parts: First, around 310 patients with temporal lobe lesions and 150 healthy controls at Emory University complete a virtual tour memory task along with brain scans and neuropsychological assessments. Second, 80 healthy adults at UC Davis perform a similar task while undergoing scalp EEG and eye tracking to study brain activity patterns. Third, about 80 epilepsy surgery patients at UC Davis with implanted brain electrodes complete the task during intracranial EEG monitoring to record detailed brain signals. The study uses FDA-approved research electrodes and MRI imaging. Participants undergo the virtual tour task where they view and recall spatial scenes, with assessments scheduled over weeks or during hospital stays. The study measures accuracy in scene recognition and recall, brain activity patterns related to memory, and lesion-location correlations. Additional tests include neuropsychological batteries and visual imagery questionnaires. Follow-up testing occurs up to one year after surgery for some. Overall, the study combines behavioral tests, brain imaging, and electrophysiology to reveal how memory circuits function in epilepsy.

Spatial Scene Recognition Memory in Epilepsy Surgery