Brain pathways linking the amygdala and brainstem in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
The role of brainstem projecting extended amygdala neurons in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Researchers are identifying specific brain circuits that may cause breathing problems and sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174355 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to trace and test neurons that connect the extended amygdala (including the BNST) to the brainstem to see how they affect breathing during seizures. Using laboratory models, the team will record breathing and brain activity, and selectively activate or silence those neurons to observe effects on respiration and survival. The work builds on human recordings that suggest forebrain regions can disrupt breathing during seizures. By pinpointing cells and connections that lead to respiratory arrest, the researchers hope to guide future ways to predict or prevent SUDEP.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with epilepsy—especially those with refractory seizures or a history of seizure-related breathing problems, or patients undergoing intracranial monitoring—would be most relevant to follow this research or join related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose seizures are well controlled or who have no history of seizure-related breathing problems are less likely to see immediate benefit from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain circuit targets that help predict or prevent seizure-related breathing failure and SUDEP.
How similar studies have performed: Prior human intracranial recordings and animal experiments suggest the amygdala can affect breathing during seizures, but targeting BNST-to-brainstem circuits for SUDEP prevention is a relatively new, mostly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nobis, William Paul — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nobis, William Paul
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.