Validation Study of the Simplified Seizure Classification Algorithm (VASSCA)

Sándor Beniczky

Status: Completed

Conditions: Epilepsy

Treatments: Diagnostic Test: EpiPick simplified seizure classification algorithm

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03796520

EpiPick-1

Details and patient eligibility

About

An algorithm has been developed for simplified classification of epileptic seizures, in order to optimize choice of antiepileptic drugs.

The objective of this study was to clinically validate the algorithm.

Full description

Optimal choice of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) depend on the patients´ seizure-types. Over the last four decades, several classification systems have been proposed for epileptic seizures. The recent position paper of the International League Against Epilepsy defines 63 seizure-types. While this complex system might be useful for detailed phenotyping, currently there is no evidence that each of these seizure-types needs different clinical management strategy, and many clinicians find it difficult to implement.

To help physicians with optimizing the choice of AEDs, the investigators developed a simplified seizure classification, consisting of the minimal number of seizure-types, necessary for choice of AEDs, and the investigators developed an algorithm that identifies the patient´s seizure-type, based on a set of 10 simple questions, that can be answered by physicians even without extensive training in epilepsy. The current form of the algorithm was developed for patients whose seizures started in adolescence or adulthood (at the age of 10 years or older).

In this study, the investigators aim to validate the diagnostic algorithm, by comparing the seizure-type identified by the algorithm with the diagnosis and seizure-type as defined by trained experts, in the clinical workup of the patients.

Enrollment: 240 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 120 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• patients referred to the participating centers on suspicion of epilepsy

Exclusion criteria

• none

Trial design

240 participants in 1 patient group

Patients suspected for epilepsy

Description:

The cohort includes patients referred to the participating centers on suspicion of epilepsy, provided their seizure onset was at 10 years of age or older.

Treatment:

Diagnostic Test: EpiPick simplified seizure classification algorithm