Ultra-longterm serial EEG: association of a novel seizure likelihood index with seizure occurance, stress, sleep and medication
Start Date: 1 June 2019
Award: 3 year Studentship funded by Epilepsy Research UK
Project:
Unpredictability of seizures is a key challenge. In prior work, we developed a novel biomarker of the propensity of the brain to develop seizures. To estimate this biomarker requires 20 seconds of interictal scalp EEG. In this proof-of-principle project, we will investigate whether frequent at-home measurement of EEG, from which we will estimate the biomarker, can prospectively identify periods of increased seizure risk.
Epilepsy Research UK has funded a project to pursue this work, and this PhD will be linked to the ERUK project.
The student will recruit and follow for 6 months, a cohort of 12 people who have >20 seizures per year. S/he will train participants to use a 9-channel EEG cap and miniature amplifier system. Participants will prospectively record seizure occurrences and medication taking; collect 10 minute EEGs twice daily; and wear a wrist-worn sensor that tracks actigraphy and heart rate. The student will test whether variation in BNI associates with seizure occurrences; and whether BNI varies with sleep, stress and medication taking.
There will be considerable scope for the student to develop their own ideas related to this project.
Supervisors:
Professor Mark Richardson & second Superisor to be confirmed
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF
Entry Requirements:
Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a 2:1 or 1st class honours degree in a subject relevant to the proposed project. If applicants already possess (or expect to obtain) a research-based MSc degree, a merit or distinction level is required.
Award types and eligibility: Fully funded for 3 years, Home/EU tuitions fees (studentship not available to Overseas applicants)
How to apply:
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), 8th April 2019.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select ‘Research degrees’ and enter the keyword Clinical Neuroscience MPhil/PhD full time. Further information can be found https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-courses.aspx
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications (you will need to attach copies)
- Details of previous employment
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require two supporting references. If the applicant is relying on his/her referees to submit references directly to the College after he/she has submitted his/her admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that their chosen referees are made aware of the funding deadline.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference:
MR-IOPPN-ERUK-2019
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set.
You are welcome to email Professor Mark Richardson mark.ricahrdson@kcl.ac.uk for more information regarding the project and studentship.
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact the Postgraduate Research Administrator.
References must be received by the deadline for the applicant to be eligible.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: 8th April 2019
Interviews: TBC- Students will be contacted via email