Dr. John Downie, Brain Repair Centre Researchers

Dr. Michael Esser

Dr. Esser is a pediatric neurologist and neuroscientist with an interest in the links between neuroplasticity, neurodevelopment and pediatric epilepsy. His focus is on understanding the relationship between factors that affect the way the brain develops and how this relates to epilepsy. His research incorporates basic science benchwork and clinical research.

In the laboratory, he is investigating a model of epileptogenesis that also displays features of other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. This shows, in animal models, behavioural features and molecular changes that occur in the brains of newborns as a result of maternal prenatal stress and immune challenge.

Clinically, Dr. Esser has applied functional MRI, and more recently, magnetoencephalography, to advance our understanding of neurodevelopment and pediatric epilepsy. This aspect of the research program will offer the advantage of a more immediate effect on the care of children with epilepsy.