AEP: Assisting diagnosis and epilepsy treatment
We understand that as a clinician your commitment to your patients well-being is paramount. AEP provides a decision support tool presenting key findings and interpretations from advanced imaging, neuropsychology and genetics.
Who is the AEP for?
Patients who will benefit from the AEP research study are those who have had:
First seizure within last six months
For patients who have had no more than one seizure, or multiple within a 24-hour period. In addition, there is no diagnosis of epilepsy but in your opinion, is the most likely cause of the seizure
New diagnosis of epilepsy
Patient’s that have been diagnosed with epilepsy within the last six months. The patient has had at least one seizure within the last six months and on anti-seizure medication for less than six months
Refractory focal epilepsy
Patients that have had at least one seizure within the last six months. The patient is currently taking at least one anti-seizure medication and has tried at least one other anti-seizure medication.
What makes my patient eligible for AEP?
Patients need to meet one of three clinical categories as part of the inclusion criteria.
1.
First unprovoked seizure within the last six months
2.
New diagnosis of epilepsy
3.
Refractory focal epilepsy
Inclusion criteria
Be aged 18 - 67 years
Have capacity to consent
Have no history of developmental or epileptic encephalopathy (DEE)
Can participate in follow-up phone calls and surveys over a 24-month period
A current Medicare number
Be willing to share their de-identified data to facilitate open research
Providing a comprehensive approach and advanced understanding
Appointment coordination by AEP team
AEP coordinates all the appointments with your patient. We make the process faster and more efficient for both you and your patients.
AEP Report delivered via a secure portal
AEP simplifies the patient’s formal investigations, consolidating all test results into a single, easy-to-read report.
Epilepsy-specialised neuroradiologist
Gain access to a specialised neuroradiologist with expertise in identifying subtle lesions related to epilepsy.
Comprehensive diagnostic approach
In addition to advanced imaging, AEP offers genetics and neuropsychological testing, evaluation of depression and anxiety scores as part of AEP's comprehensive approach. This provides a deeper understanding of your patient, enabling you to tailor treatments more effectively.
AEP Report
The AEP Report consolidates formal investigations to provide a comprehensive view of your patient. It consists of:
Clinical radiologist report
Analysis and interpretation by leading Australian epilepsy neuroradiologists
Research imaging report
Hippocampal volume
Language fMRI mapping
Language activation maps and language laterality
Research neuropsychology report
Depression and anxiety screening; functioning in major cognitive domains
Genetics report
Molecular karyotype and copy number variant screening
Download the AEP clinician brochure
The clinician brochure provides more detail about the AEP study.
Our partners and supporters
The Australian Epilepsy Project is made possible through the combined support of The Florey and University of Melbourne.
The Australian Epilepsy Project (AEP) receives funding from the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund.
FAQs
Here's some Frequently Asked Questions about The Australian Epilepsy Project.
We need your help to assess the eligibility of your patient, by selecting the relevant cohort for the study. A summary of the findings will be presented to you in the AEP Report, to discuss with you patient.
When your patient joins the AEP we will collect the following information:
(1) Imaging - through an advanced MRI
(2) Neuropsychology assessment
(3) Genetics
(4) Follow-up data outcomes 6, 12 and 24 month follow-ups.
No, there is no out-of-pocket expenses for the participant.
The AEP received $30 million from the Australian Government under the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF). The funding was provided for a five year study to collect the world’s largest multimodal data set for epilepsy.