Thermographic Examination of Skin Temperatures in Individuals With Focal Onset Epilepsy

Thermographic Examination of Low Back and Abdominal Area Skin Temperatures in Individuals With and Without Focal Onset Epilepsy

The specific aim is to determine if there are patterns of temperature differences in the abdominal and back regions of individuals with partial/focal onset epilepsy as compared to a non-epileptic control group. The hypothesis is that individuals with partial/focal onset epilepsy will have colder recorded temperatures in the abdominal area than individuals in a matched control group.

The concept of "Abdominal Epilepsy" has been described in the neurology literature. The present study seeks to amplify understanding of this clinical entity by measuring abdominal area and low back skin temperature changes which may be affected through the function of the abdominal ganglia, specifically the Celiac, Superior Mesenteric and Inferior Mesenteric Ganglia.

This not an intervention study. It is study comparing abdominal area and low back skin temperature in individuals with the Partial/Focal Onset Epilepsy with a match control group of individuals with no epilepsy history. The implications of the outcome of the finding any significant temperature changes between the experimental and control groups is great enough to warrant the highest level of scientific scrutiny that this registration permits.

Inclusion Criteria Experimental Group:

1. Diagnosis of Partial/Focal Onset Epilepsy (ICD9-CM 345.4 and 345.5)
2. Ages 18-70

Exclusion Criteria Experimental Group:

1. Pregnancy

2. Recent trauma such as motor vehicle accident or injury to the musculoskeletal system

3. Currently on medication, other than for epilepsy which may affect autonomic nervous system function, e.g. Glaucoma medication

4. If diagnosed with a condition which could affect abdominal area neurophysiologic functions.

   1. Irritable bowel syndrome
   2. Crohn's disease
   3. Ulcerative colitis
   4. Migraine headache with abdominal manifestation

Inclusion criteria Control group:

1. No history or diagnosis of any seizure disorder
2. Ages 18-70

Exclusion Criteria Control group:

1. Pregnancy

2. Recent trauma such as motor vehicle accident or injury to the musculoskeletal system

3. Currently on medication, other than for epilepsy which may affect autonomic nervous system function, e.g. Glaucoma medication

4. If diagnosed with a condition which could affect abdominal area neurophysiologic functions.

   1. Irritable bowel syndrome
   2. Crohn's disease
   3. Ulcerative colitis
   4. Migraine headache with abdominal manifestation