Investigating the Causes of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in People with Traumatic Brain Injury
Introduction
Research Area:
Brain inflammation/ Epilepsy/ Post-Traumatic Brain Injury
What is the research about?
Chronic brain inflammation plays a key role in seizures and epilepsy. Researchers are studying how this inflammation develops after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and whether it can be reduced with drugs. One promising target is the P2X7 receptor, a cell membrane receptor. Blocking this receptor can reduce seizures and inflammation, and the benefits may last even after treatment ends—suggesting long-term effects.
The P2X7 receptor is especially interesting because:
- It strongly contributes to inflammation.
- Drugs blocking it have strong anti-inflammatory effects.
- It is mostly active during disease, not normal brain function, which may reduce side effects.
However, it is still unknown whether blocking this receptor can actually prevent or reduce epilepsy after TBI.
We are launching a new research initiative focusing on the role of the P2X7 receptor in post-traumatic epilepsy, PTE. This project is part of FutureNeuro’s commitment to collaborative, impactful research shaped by lived experience.
Who We Are Looking For.
- Individuals with lived experience of PTE (e.g. sports persons, military service personnel, or those affected by impact-related accidents.
- Carers and family members of people living with PTE.
- Clinicians and community-based organizations in traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, or neurological advocacy.
What’s Involved.
We will meet in-person/online every 3 months over a 3 year period. Here you can;
- Help shape the research design implementation.
- Contribute to analysis and interpretation of findings.
- Support ethical oversight and data management.
- Co-develop communication and public engagement activities.
Opportunity for:
Involvement Opportunity Details
Time
Time commitment:
Meeting in-person and/or online every 3 months
Contact between meetings:
We will send out an agenda and minutes after each meeting so everyone is kept up to date on the project.
Length of involvement:
3 years
Start date for involvement:
20/10/2025
Logistics
Where?
If online, explain how:
We will alternate between in-person and online meetings, 4 meetings per year, 2 in-person, 2 online via Zoom or Teams.
If in person, explain where:
Royal College of Surgeons in IrelandTrinity College Dublin
Other ways of communicating:
Audio or video memos
Funding available for:
If no funding available, explain why:
Not applicable
Other Information
Stage of the research study/ programme:
Research started
Is this opportunity for PPI in a PhD:
No
Closing date to contact researchers:
12/10/2025
Research Team
Contact person:
Karina Halley
University/organisation:
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Contact email:
karinahalley@rcsi.ie
Researcher background:
PPI point of contact
Research funder:
US DoD
Photo:
Interested in this PPI Opportunity?
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