A researcher at the University of Liverpool is to explore the link between seizures and stroke in the ageing population thanks to a grant from three leading charities.
Dr Josephine Mayer was awarded a Clinical Research Training Fellowship by the Stroke Association, Epilepsy Research UK and the Association of British Neurologists (ABN).
The number of people experiencing late onset seizures and epilepsy (LOUSE) is on the rise, and those affected are at an increased risk of stroke.
However, experts do not know whether this is due to untreated risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure or because of an impairment of blood vessel function in the brain.
Dr Mayer said this study will “improve our understanding of the relationship between vascular health and epilepsy. The results will guide future trials in order to improve care and long-term outcomes for these patients.”
Stroke Association Head of Research, Richard Francis, said:
“Our partnership will enable this Fellow to focus on an often-ignored area – the relationship between seizures and stroke.
“We know a lot about many stroke risk factors, such as blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, but we still do not understand the link between epilepsy and stroke.
“This important research will tell us why people with the onset of seizures in later life can go on to have a stroke.
“When we know this, we’re one step closer to stopping stroke in these patients.”
In this project Dr Mayer will:
- Assess vascular health in people with LOUSE at diagnosis compared to healthy people and people with high blood pressure (a common risk factor for poor vascular health)
- Assess vascular health over time, at six and 12 months, in patients with LOUSE and compare to patients with high blood pressure who have had their vascular risk factors managed
- Establish a registry of patients with LOUSE to evaluate markers of poor vascular health, MRI brain
imaging data, and review the rate of stroke and heart disease at 12 months.
Professor Martin Turner, Chair of the ABN’s Research Committee, said:
“The pioneering ABN fellowship programme has now funded more than 40 of the brightest early-career neurologists to pursue research to meet the needs of the growing population affected by neurological conditions and sustain the UK’s reputation as a global leader in Clinical Neuroscience.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Epilepsy Research UK and the Stroke Association to fund Dr Mayer’s work.”
