Data Availability Statements

All submissions should include a data availability statement describing where data can be accessed, how to request access, or why access is restricted. This supports reproducibility in epilepsy research.

Recommended Repositories

Use trusted repositories for datasets, protocols, and code. Ensure files are well organized and include metadata that explains variables and clinical methods.

Sensitive Data and Privacy

Epilepsy studies often include patient data, EEG recordings, or imaging files. Remove identifiers, follow local regulations, and include ethics approvals for data sharing. Restricted access may be appropriate for sensitive datasets.

Materials and Methods

Provide enough methodological detail to allow verification, including diagnostic protocols, EEG or imaging methods, and treatment pathways. Sharing standard operating procedures is encouraged.

Embargo and Access Options

If immediate public release is not possible, explain embargo periods or access restrictions. Clear timelines help readers understand when data can be accessed.

Data Citation

Cite datasets with persistent identifiers when available. Proper data citation improves transparency and credit for data generators.

Quality Assurance Records

For operational studies, include documentation of quality control steps, assay validation, and instrument calibration when relevant.

FAIR Data Principles

We encourage data practices that make datasets findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable. Clear metadata and documentation improve value for future epilepsy research.

Repository Selection

Choose repositories that support clinical data governance and provide persistent identifiers. Institutional or national repositories may be appropriate for regulated epilepsy center datasets.

Code and Scripts

If analysis code is used, share scripts with documentation so results can be replicated. Include software versions and parameters for statistical workflows.

Controlled Access Data

When datasets cannot be fully public, describe the review process for data access requests. This supports ethical oversight while enabling verification.

Data Citation Practice

Cite datasets in the references and include accession numbers. Proper citation helps readers locate supporting data and gives credit to data producers.

Consent and Governance

Data sharing must align with participant consent terms. Describe governance structures and oversight committees that regulate access to clinical data.

Embargo Details

If data are embargoed, specify the expected release date and conditions. Clear timelines help readers plan follow up studies and collaborations.

Data Formats

Use standard file formats and provide data dictionaries. Consistent structure helps reviewers and future researchers interpret epilepsy datasets accurately.

Protocol Linking

Link to protocols, assay validation documents, and standard operating procedures when possible. This strengthens reproducibility and supports best practice adoption.

Clinical Registry Data

If data originate from epilepsy registries or seizure safety monitoring systems, describe registry governance and data quality controls. This helps readers evaluate completeness and reliability.

De Identification Standards

Use accepted de identification methods to protect patient privacy. Clearly state any residual risk or limitations in the data availability statement.

Reuse Permissions

State any restrictions on reuse, such as non commercial use or requirements for data use agreements. Transparent terms support responsible collaboration.

Reviewer Access

If datasets are large or sensitive, provide secure review access for peer reviewers. Temporary access links or controlled repositories can support evaluation without compromising privacy.

Support and Guidance

The editorial office can advise on repository selection and data statements. Early planning helps avoid delays during peer review and production in epilepsy services and hospital programs to improve compliance and audits.

Data Preservation

Select repositories with long term preservation policies so epilepsy datasets remain accessible securely for audits, systematic reviews, and future guideline updates.

Long term access supports reproducibility and meta analyses, especially for seizure safety monitoring datasets used in regulatory reviews and safety benchmarking.