Basic and preclinical epilepsy research Scientists' perception of clinical epileptology

• Published in: Epilepsia (Copenhagen) 2024-11
• Main Authors: de Curtis, Marco, Asukile, Melody, Battaglia, Giulia, Sellin, Annabelle, Cavalheiro, Esper, Galovic, Marian, Gelinas, Jennifer N, Ikeda, Akio, Patel, Manisha, Perucca, Piero, Potschka, Heidrun, Rocha, Luisa, Triki, Chahnez, Wilmshurst, Jo M, Gaillard, William, Deleo, Francesco, Cendes, Fernando, Cross, J Helen, Galanopoulou, Aristea S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0013-9580; 1528-1167; 1528-1167
• DOI: 10.1111/epi.18186

The interaction between basic science epilepsy researchers and clinical epileptologists is a longstanding issue. Efforts to provide opportunities for a dialogue between preclinical and clinical epilepsy professionals are crucial to reduce the knowledge gap between them and improve the translational success of neurobiology-based research. The International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) Research and Innovation Task Force circulated a survey to investigate the need for an update on new clinical epilepsy concepts within the basic science community. The 336 respondents included basic scientists (BS), preclinical scientists (PCSs), and/or clinical scientists (CSs). The majority of the 237 BSs/PCSs were engaged in preclinical studies in translational epilepsy research and declared translational research as a priority research interest. Fewer respondents from low-middle-income countries than from upper-middle or high-income countries (40.7% vs 65%) considered translational research a critical aspect of their research. A broad understanding of both clinical and neurobiological aspects of epilepsy was declared by 48% of BSs/PCSs; 96% of CSs declared a superficial knowledge of neurobiology of epilepsy. Most BSs/PCSs were aware that epilepsy is a complex condition that should be investigated with the help of clinical epileptologists, even though concerns were expressed on the relationship with clinicians. A focused training program on emerging clinical epileptological aspects tailored for BSs/PCSs was recommended by 81% of the participants; the majority of respondents preferred either 1- or 2-week in-presence tutoring or continuous online training coordinated by ILAE at the regional/national level. The survey also underscored the value of educational programs on neurobiology of epilepsy targeting CSs and low-middle-income countries (LMIC) investigators.