Clinical and Translational Research

Our research focuses on children with epilepsy and is closely connected to their daily lives and family environment. We study how epilepsy affects behavior, development, well-being, and everyday functioning—at home, at school, and in healthcare settings.

We aim to detect learning and behavioral problems as early as possible and prevent them where we can. Special attention is given to:

• The effect of nighttime epileptic activity on sleep and daytime functioning
• Neuropsychological functioning in specific groups of children
• The impact of medical treatments, such as epilepsy surgery, on psychological well-being
• Developing and evaluating behavioral interventions

An important part of our work is monitoring behavior and development over time. This helps us provide better, tailored support for children and families.

Our research is carried out in close collaboration with other disciplines, such as neurosurgery, human genetics, and medical imaging at UZ Leuven, as well as the Faculties of Psychology and Educational Sciences and ESAT at KU Leuven. We also work nationally and internationally with other epilepsy centers and are part of EpiCARE, a European network of expertise centers for rare and complex epilepsies.

By translating new insights into practice, we aim to improve care, support, and quality of life for children with epilepsy and their families.

Soon, you will be able to read more about the specific projects starting at our center.