Tracy Research

Beginning in 2019, this five-year federally-funded project intends to investigate the use of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy who undergo neurosurgery. A key specific aim is to develop novel analytical methods and predictive algorithms that will aid in surgical planning. We hope improved quantitative prediction of treatment response will lead to better neurocognitive and behavioral outcomes and increase the likelihood of post-operative seizure control following resective or ablative surgery. 

This project is being conducted at the Thomas Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in collaboration with Dr. Michael Sperling. The project is made possible by funding from the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS: R01 NS112816). Most importantly, we thank the patients and volunteers who graciously participate in our research.

Consistent with current standard care practices, the lab routinely conducts functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with referred patients who are being evaluated for neurosurgery in order to treat intractable epilepsy, brain tumors, anteriovenous malformations, and other neurological disorders. To this end, we have established an ongoing registry of functional brain mapping studies we have conducted that permits us to investigate the impact of neurological disorders on brain structure and function, as well as develop, validate, and implement brain imaging methods for clinical practice.

Our current studies are also enrolling interested healthy volunteers.

If you are (a) an adult between the ages of 18 and 60 years old, (b) have no significant medical or psychiatric history, and (c) able to undergo an MRI scan, please call 215-955-8992 to complete a brief eligibility screening or learn more about our current studies.