# Predicting epilepsy in cerebral malaria: working toward identifying biomarkers of epileptogenesis in children

> **NIH NIH K23** · BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · 2022 · $191,525

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Over half a million children suffer from cerebral malaria annually, with up to 10-16% of this population
developing epilepsy within two years. Thus, cerebral malaria contributes significantly to the global epilepsy
burden. As in many acquired epilepsies, there remains an important gap in knowledge on how to identify
which children after cerebral malaria infection will be at risk for epilepsy development. Identification of
biomarkers heralding epilepsy risk would improve timely identification of who would most benefit from closer
clinical monitoring- a critical consideration for improved allocation of the limited available resources in
regions where this disease is most prevalent.
Identification of the specific clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) metrics which confer risk of post-
malaria epilepsy will also importantly help understand epilepsy development in this disease. Studying these
processes in acquired epilepsies has proven difficult to date due to the varied nature of etiologies and
timing of epilepsy development after brain insult. Cerebral malaria has potential to be a unique model for
identification of epileptogenesis biomarkers, as it is a single disease state with a high rate of post-epilepsy
development within a relatively short time frame. This proposal will address key gaps in knowledge
regarding the utility of clinical and EEG metrics readily available in resource-limited settings for predictive
ability to prognosticate epilepsy risk in children with cerebral malaria. The findings have the potential to lay
the foundation for future research of targeted interventions directed toward reducing post-cerebral malaria
epilepsy development.
This Mentored Patient-Oriented Career Development Award application aligns with two of the benchmarks
set by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and American Epilepsy Society, including
Area II- understanding epileptogenesis, and Area III- identify biomarkers. This proposal is also designed to
provide important opportunities for the training and career development of the candidate. Dr. Patel has
experience in global neurology research and clinical neurophysiology; this award will allow her to gain
further experience in clinical research methodology and specific training in computational analysis of EEG.
These skills will lay a foundation for further study of this condition and potentially in anti-epileptogenesis
trials of the post-cerebral malaria epilepsy model. Ultimately, this research proposal and the accompanying
training will provide a strong foundation for a successful independent research career devoted to the
understanding of epileptogenesis and reducing the risk of acquired epilepsies in children globally.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10478118
- **Project number:** 5K23NS118051-02
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Archana A. Patel
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $191,525
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10478118

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10478118, Predicting epilepsy in cerebral malaria: working toward identifying biomarkers of epileptogenesis in children (5K23NS118051-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10478118. Licensed CC0.

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