The glymphatic system and epilepsy

The glymphatic system is the brain's method for clearing waste products to allow for appropriate functioning. In certain diseases, this system becomes faulty, leading to accumulation of toxic waste products and exacerbates disease. We have identified a novel non-invasive method to enhance glymphatic flow involving sensory stimulation. This activates the glymphatic system, and can rid the brain of this accumulated waste. There is substantial evidence that the glymphatic system is perturbed in patients with epilepsy, although to date we do not know whether this is a consequence of the disease, or might represent a cause of symptoms, and therefore a target for intervention. In this project, we will use animal models to assess whether our novel stimulation paradigm can enhance glymphatic flow and improve disease severity. Techniques utilised in this project include Magnetic Resonance Imaging and immunocytochemistry to visualise the glymphatic system function, animal modelling of epilepsy, experience with the brain stimulation technique, intracranial surgeries, EEG analysis, and animal behavioural testing to assess cognitive function. The overall program goal is to initiate trials in patients with epilepsy to observe whether this can improve seizure outcomes in these patients.