Study of [11C]DPA-713 for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Some people with epilepsy have an epileptic focus, a small part of the brain that is the starting point of the seizure. This focus is like an irritant or an inflammation, and helps cause the seizure. People with epilepsy that affects the temporal lobe of the brain often have an epileptic focus. Researchers want to look at the epileptic focus by using a drug that attaches to a protein associated with inflammation. An imaging study with the drug will show how much inflammation is in the area of the brain where the seizures start. The drug, called [11C]DPA-713, will be tested for its effectiveness in people with temporal lobe epilepsy. Its effects will be compared with imaging studies given to healthy volunteers. The aim is to see if [11C]DPA-713 can show the inflammation in the epileptic focus of seizures.