Mater Epilepsy Unit Research

Epilepsy is a brain network disorder characterised by recurrent seizures, which are transient disturbances in brain electrical rhythms.The Mater Epilepsy Unit Research Group aims to advance the understanding and treatment of epilepsy through the involvement of the Mater’s hospital Epilepsy Unit team members who are engaged in fundamental and clinical research. The Group's endeavour is driven by its vision to develop and maintain patient care at the highest standard, ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for patients.

The Group's research projects span several levels of the biological organisation of epilepsy, from studying cellular metabolic function, intra-cerebral electrophysiology, or human epilepsy-related behaviour to bedside clinical trials. Projects involve collaborations with Mater Research, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, the Queensland-based QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and renowned epilepsy research centres from Australia and abroad.

The Mater Epilepsy Unit Research Group has a strong multi-disciplinary approach, reflecting the necessity of bringing diverse views to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Projects use data from electroencephalography (EEG), video-EEG, intracerebral stereo-EEG (SEEG), neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and seizure semiology. Analysis of human brain tissue following epilepsy surgery is also used. These data provide a means of studying, in real-time, and in a multi-scale manner, the dynamic changes associated with seizures and the brain processes underlying epilepsy, to both deepen understanding of epilepsy and advance therapeutic strategies.

The Group is involved in several clinical trials, working closely with the Mater Clinical Trial Unit. Learn about the clinical trials.