Helping Breathing to Prevent Sudden Death in Epilepsy
Breathing Rescue for SUDEP Prevention (BreatheS)
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON · NIH-11122276
This project looks for ways to help people with epilepsy breathe better after a seizure to prevent sudden unexpected death.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11122276 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious risk for individuals with uncontrolled seizures, often occurring when breathing stops after a generalized convulsive seizure. Researchers believe there is a critical three-minute window after a seizure where intervention could prevent this devastating outcome. This project uses specialized brain recordings (intracranial SEEG) in patients already undergoing evaluation for epilepsy surgery to understand how specific brain areas control breathing. The goal is to identify optimal ways to stimulate these brain networks to facilitate breathing and potentially prevent SUDEP during this crucial time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is for patients with medically refractory epilepsy who are already undergoing intracranial SEEG evaluation with implanted depth electrodes for epilepsy surgery and simultaneous cardiorespiratory monitoring.
Not a fit: Patients whose epilepsy is well-controlled by medication or who are not undergoing intracranial monitoring would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new neuromodulation treatments that prevent sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy.
How similar studies have performed: While the understanding of post-convulsive breathing failure is advancing, targeted neuromodulatory strategies for SUDEP prevention are still in early stages of development.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LACUEY LECUMBERRI, NURIA — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCI CTR HOUSTON
- Study coordinator: LACUEY LECUMBERRI, NURIA
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.