“One of the big challenges with focal cortical dysplasia is that they're very difficult to diagnose on MRI brain scans, and are missed around 50% of the time. My project uses an AI based detection tool which helps highlight regions that focal cortical dysplasias occur in the brain.”
Watch the full interview with Dr Emma Macdonald-Laurs below.
Project Summary:
Focal cortical dysplasias are small areas of abnormal brain tissue and a common cause of severe epilepsy in children. Most children are healthy and develop normally before seizures start, which often begin in preschool or early school years and can occur multiple times per day or night, disrupting schooling and family life. Frequent seizures can affect behaviour, mood, and learning. Fortunately, epilepsy caused by focal cortical dysplasia can often be improved or even cured with surgery. Around 85% of children become seizure-free if the abnormal tissue is located and completely removed. However, these tissues are often very small, less than 1cm³, and standard MRI detects only about 50% of cases on a first scan. Failure to locate the tissue delays diagnosis and access to potentially curative surgery, increasing the risk of long-term learning difficulties and mental health impacts.
We have developed an artificial intelligence-based “detector” that uses MRI and PET scans to improve identification of focal cortical dysplasia, increasing detection from approximately 50% to 80% in previous patient cohorts. This study will evaluate the detector in real hospital settings across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland, comparing results with expert neuroradiologist reviews. We will also gather feedback from children, parents, and clinicians about using AI in diagnosis.
By improving detection and understanding perspectives on AI use, this project aims to enable faster referrals for epilepsy surgery, reduce seizures, and improve long-term developmental outcomes for children with focal cortical dysplasia.
The Brain Foundation is dedicated to funding the next generation of Australian research into brain disorders, diseases, and injuries, with the ultimate goal of advancing diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes.