Readiness Brain Operation Optimization Training (ReBOOT) for Epilepsy Surgery

In this prospective, controlled, randomized study, the researchers aim to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a cognitive intervention in those with epilepsy. They will implement a novel prehabilitation program for patients who have been recommended for epilepsy surgery and will track retention, and adherence to understand the feasibility of the program. Researchers will gather patient data regarding satisfaction with the prehabilitation program and elicit qualitative feedback from patients to further refine the program. To assess intervention efficacy, researchers will compare patients who undergo the prehabilitation program to a treatment-as-usual control group on outcome measures related to quality of life, compensatory strategy use, psychosocial factors, and surgical satisfaction.

The study team will accomplish these objectives by comparing participants that are randomly assigned to the ReBOOT intervention arm (2 individual, virtual sessions and 4 virtual, group sessions over the course of 5-6 weeks) to those participants assigned to the control arm (standard epilepsy care). Researchers will measure the effects and feasibility of the intervention through the use attendance tracking, homework adherence, and health and quality of life questionnaires.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults, aged 18-60 years old, with diagnosed epilepsy who have been confirmed as an appropriate surgical candidate by their epileptologist
• Able to independently provide informed consent
• Fluent in English
• Reading abilities at or above 8th grade level as determined by the Wide Range Achievement Test- 4th Edition (WRAT-4), Reading subtest.
• Internet access and the ability to participate in online video streaming
• No history of resective or ablative neurosurgery, but this does not include neuromodulation therapies for epilepsy (e.g., RNS, VNS, DBS)
• Willing and able to participate in cognitive intervention

Exclusion criteria

• Any patient that has engaged in any form of cognitive rehabilitation/intervention within the last 6 months
• Ongoing litigation related to the cause of epilepsy, unless litigation is related to short term or long-term disability application.
• Undergoing intensive medical treatment for serious or life-threatening illness (e.g., chemotherapy, etc.) that would impact study participation.
• Serious psychiatric condition that could interfere with participation, such as schizophrenia, active psychosis, active mania, and current suicidal ideation.
• Significant hearing and/or vision loss that would preclude them from participating in remote cognitive testing and engaging in the cognitive intervention.