Developmental Epilepsy Research Laboratory
Developmental Epilepsy Research Laboratory
Embedded Files
Help for Babies With Seizures
Help for Babies With Seizures
Problem
Infantile spasms, also known as West syndrome, constitute a unique and very serious epilepsy syndrome that afflicts approximately two in every 10,000 children. It's cause is complex and thought to be influenced by multiple factors. Medical practitioners usually first observe infantile spasms at about three to six months. Infants are referred for EEG testing and a MRI to confirm the condition and then require medical treatment to prevent potential cognitive impairment. Problem
Research
Dr. Morris Scantlebury has developed one of the first successful models for studying infantile spasms in the world and is now using these models in his laboratory at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute to find new treatments. Infants are now prescribed intense hormone injections to reduce the spasms. But not all children do well – as many as half of infants are unresponsive. The research to find new compounds to treat this condition is urgent as the syndrome can be life-threatening. Research
In addition, Dr. Scantlebury is investigating the cause of fever-related seizures in infants. These infants often develop unmanageable epilepsy. His laboratory is studying proteins that play an important role in body temperature regulation. The results could lead to improved treatments which would prevent the risk of developing epilepsy.
Dr. Morris Scantlebury is Professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the Cumming School of Medicine. His research is funded by the CIHR and community donations through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Dr. Morris Scantlebury is Professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences at the Cumming School of Medicine. His research is funded by the CIHR and community donations through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“Seizures can have such a negative impact on a child’s life so we are putting our best efforts into finding new treatments that will give these children a healthier outcome.”
“Seizures can have such a negative impact on a child’s life so we are putting our best efforts into finding new treatments that will give these children a healthier outcome.”
News
News
April 17, 2025
Proud to be an invited speaker for Epilepsy Grand Rounds Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard School of Medicine. Title: Targeting brain pH in the management of the pediatric epilepsies: Febrile Seizures and Infantile Epileptic Spasms
January 1, 1 2025
Dr. Morris Scantlebury has been appointed Scientific Director, Discovery (Basic) Science, of the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. ACHRI Directors | Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute | University of Calgary
November 05, 2024:
Great news!!! Dr. Scantlebury and colleagues has been awarded a Proof-of Principal Grant to define biomarkers for treatment resistance and to test a probiotic treatment in patients with infantile spasms.
August 1, 2024:
Finally published!!!! Our paper describing mechanistic studies investigating the impact of inflammation on heat sensitive channels, breathing and seizures: Barrett KT, Roy A, Ebdalla A, Pittman QJ, Wilson RJA, Scantlebury MH. The Impact of Inflammation on Thermal Hyperpnea: Relevance for Heat Stress and Febrile Seizures. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol. 2024 Aug;71(2):195-206. doi: 10.1165/rcmb.2023-0451OC. PMID: 38597725
February 21, 2024:
Blown away!!! Dr. Morris Scantlebury was selected for an ANSA Caribbean Excellence Award in Science and Technology: Dr. Morris Scantlebury - ANSA Awards Caribbean.
October 12th, 2023:
Honored!!! Dr. Morris Scantlebury was appointed Chair Scientific Research Committee of Epilepsy Canada. Leadership — Epilepsy Canada Epilepsi
March 1, 2022:
Fantastic News!!! Drs. Shearer (PI) and Scantlebury (Co-I) were awarded a grant to study how nutritional manipulation impacts seizures in a model of infantile spasms
July 15, 2021:
Great news!!!! Our laboratory was awarded a CIHR grant to study the role of acid sensing ion channels in infantile spasms. https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/cihr-project-grant-will-help-team-find-mechanisms-underlying-epilepsy-infants
Report abuse