1. Social stigma in Epilepsy, using PATE scale (UM epilepsy research group, approved by UM ethics committee in 2011), updated on 10 August 2013
Social stigma in epilepsy is a major factor affecting the quality of life of people with epilepsy. A systematic review was attached under publication. We intend to determine the magnitude and variations of social stigma in Malaysia and other South East Asian countries, using a quantitative scale measuring the attitudes toward epilepsy, in various populations including the teachers, the rural populations, and different ethic groups. We are currently looking for partnership to perform the study separately or together in different population. Duration: 2012-2014. (supported by HIR grant)
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com
2. Psychosocial impacts of Epilepsy. (UM epilepsy research group, approved by UM ethics committee in 2011), updated on 13 May 2013
Epilepsy results in many psychosocial consequences among people with epilepsy. This study aims to understand the degree of psychosocial impact of epilepsy, especially on employment. In addition, the social and psychological factors influencing the employability among people with epilepsy will be explored. Duration: 2012-open-ended (supported by HIR grant)
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com; Monica Wo Chen Mun, moniwocm@gmail.com
3. Clinical and Immunological factors in severe cutaneous adverse reaction (UM epilepsy research group, approved by UM ethics committee in 2012), updated 10 August 2013
HLA-B*1502 has been associated with Carbamazepine induced severe cutaneous adverse reaction. However, the positive predictive value of the test is less than 5%, indicating that 95% of those with positive HLA B*1502 will tolerate Carbamazepine without develop any reaction. Therefore we aimed to determine the clinical factors that might predict the occurrence of reaction in those with positive HLA-B*1502. Because of limited sample size, it is essential to have a multi-centred collaboration. We also started to study the immunological factors related to other antiepileptic drugs including phenytoin and lamotrigine. Duration: 2012-2014.
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com; Amy Khor, amy4673@gmail.com
4. Familial Epilepsy in Malaysia (UM epilepsy research group, approved by UM ethics committee in 2011), updated on 13 May 2013
Genetic study among epilepsy patients in Malaysia is lacking. This study aims to determine the genetic factors in family with epilepsy, either generalized or focal. Data collection of big family with epilepsy is on-going.
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com
5. Pharmacogenomics in Epilepsy (a collaboration between the Neurology unit in UM, UKM and GHKL, and Pharmacology department in UM), updated 6 May 2012
The are genetic factors affecting the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antiepileptic drugs. This study group has focused on the effect of transporter genes on the responsiveness of antiepileptic drugs for the past three years in Malaysian population. As Malaysian is a multi-ethnic population, genetic association studies are greatly limited by the sample size. Therefore, it is essential to have more centres in Malaysia involved in this study to increase the recruitment. Duration: 2011-2013
6. Neurocognitive assessment in temporal lobe epilepsy, using computer-based tool and quantitative EEG. (UM epilepsy research group, a collaboration with the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, approved by UM ethics committee in 2012), updated 13 May 2013
This study is aimed to develop a computer-based neurocognitive assessment tool as an alternative to conventional psychometric test due to deficiency of sensitivity and objectivity in normally conducted bedside neurocognitive assessment with the lack of neuropsychologist in Asian countries. Besides, it is to compare neurocognitive function of Temporal Lope Epilepsy (TLE) and aged-matched normal control for sensitivity and effectiveness evaluation.
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com
7. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (UM epilepsy research group, a collaboration with the Department of Psychological Medicine in UM, approved by UM ethics committee in 2012), updated on 13 May 2013
We aim to understand the clinical characteristics of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) in Malaysian and the psychological factors underlying PNES. Alexithymia, as a possible psychological factor, is currently studied.
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com
8. Pharmacokinetic study in Epilepsy (UM epilepsy research group, a collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy in UM, approved by UM ethics committee in 2012), updated on 13 May 2013
Sodium valproate and levetiracetam are two of the antiepileptics currently studied.
Contact: Dr. Lim Kheng Seang, kslimum@gmail.com