New Clinical Trial in El Paso Offers Hope for People with Epilepsy

There is a new study evaluating a promising new treatment for epilepsy. Advanced Neurology Epilepsy & Sleep Center is currently seeking to enroll patients in this study, called Rise, between the ages of 18-75 who have been diagnosed with focal onset epilepsy and have experienced resistance to existing treatments.

Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that affects over 50 million people worldwide.1 It is characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which can vary in intensity and frequency.1 Despite numerous treatment options, about 40% of people with epilepsy do not achieve seizure control with current medications.2 This highlights the urgent need for new effective treatments.

Understanding Seizures

Seizures are sudden surges of abnormal and excessive electrical activity in your brain and can affect how you appear or act. Where and how the seizure presents itself can have profound effects.3 Focal seizures are the most common type of seizure, affecting up to approximately 61% of people with epilepsy.2 They begin on one side of the brain and may cause changes in awareness, behavior, sensation, or abnormal movements usually on just one side of the body.4

Challenges of Living with Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can be incredibly challenging. The unpredictable nature of seizures can make daily activities, such as driving, working, or even socializing, difficult and stressful.5 For many, the fear of a sudden seizure looms, impacting their quality of life. In addition to physical challenges, epilepsy can also bring about emotional and psychological burdens, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.1

A Promising Investigational Treatment

Aamr Arif Herekar, MD, who is leading the trial in the El Paso area, is optimistic about the potential of this new treatment. “We are looking for people with focal onset epilepsy to participate in this study to help evaluate the effectiveness of this promising treatment in controlling seizures and improving the quality of life for those with epilepsy,” said Dr. Herekar. “The involvement of people with epilepsy will provide critical data that can lead to breakthroughs, offering hope to the millions affected by this condition.”

Enrollment Information

The clinical trial is currently enrolling patients at sites across the United States. Locally, the trial is being conducted at Advanced Neurology Epilepsy & Sleep Center in El Paso. If you or someone you know is struggling with epilepsy and is interested in participating in the trial, please visit epilepsyresearchstudy.com or call (915) 974-2200 for more information. Eligibility criteria for participating in the trial include individuals who:

• Are between the ages of 18 to 75
• Have been diagnosed with focal onset epilepsy for at least one year
• Have been unsuccessful with at least two anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and are currently on a stable dose of one to three ASMs
• Have at least four or more observable focal seizures every 28 days

The Rise clinical trial represents a significant step forward in the search for more effective epilepsy treatments. By participating, patients not only have the potential to benefit from a new therapy but also contribute to crucial research that could improve the lives of countless others in the future.

References:

1. World Health Organization. Epilepsy. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/epilepsy. Accessed August 6, 2024.
2. Ioannou P, Foster DL, Sander JW, et al. The burden of epilepsy and unmet need in people with focal seizures. Brain Behav. 2022;12(9):e2589. doi:10.1002/brb3.2589.
3. Epilepsy Foundation. Understanding Seizures. Available at https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/understanding-seizures. Accessed June 6, 2024.
4. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of Seizures. Available at https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/types-of-seizures.html. Accessed June 6, 2024.

• Epilepsy Foundation. Social Concerns. Available https://www.epilepsy.com/complications-risks/social-concerns#:~:text=Hav...!. Accessed August 6, 2024.