Memory Reorganization in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Summary

This study aims to explore how memory works in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures and is frequently accompanied by memory problems. For some, surgery to remove the part of the brain causing seizures may help, but it does not always work, and memory can get worse afterward. We aim to use magnetic resonance imaging to image the brain participants are completing memory tasks, which will reveal the areas of the brain responsible for memory. This knowledge could help doctors decide which epilepsy patient might benefit from surgery, how to plan surgery to minimize memory loss, and set realistic expectations for patients about their memory after the procedure.

As part of the study, patient participants and healthy controls will look at images of faces and scenes as well as words inside a magnetic resonance scanner. Still inside the scanner, participants will have to attempt to remember the images and words you saw after 20 minutes. This way, we will be able to see the areas in the brain responsible for memorizing as well as remembering. We will also ask participants to complete a quick memory test outside of the scanner.