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 (MEU) Research Group aims to advance the understanding and treatment of epilepsy through the involvement of Mater Hospital Brisbane Epilepsy Unit team members, who are engaged in fundamental and clinical research. Our endeavour is driven by our vision to develop and maintain patient care at the highest standard, ensuring accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for patients.

MEU 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. Our 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 MEU research group has a strong multi-disciplinary approach, reflecting the necessity of bringing diverse views to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying epilepsy. Our projects use data from electroencephalography (EEG), video-EEG, intracerebral stereo-EEG (SEEG), neuroimaging, neuropsychology, and seizure semiology. We also use analysis of human brain tissue following epilepsy surgery. 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 our understanding of epilepsy and advance therapeutic strategies.

The MEU research group is involved in several clinical trials, working closely with the Mater Clinical Trial Unit. Click here for further details and contact information for our clinical trials.