How seizures affect breathing and recovery to prevent SUDEP
Official title: Inhibition of central CO2 chemoreception by seizures: Effects on ventilation, cardiovascular control and postictal recovery of consciousness
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11353820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how seizures may disrupt breathing and recovery from seizures, with the goal of preventing SUDEP in people with difficult-to-treat epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $808,236 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS113764-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are individuals with refractory epilepsy and a risk of SUDEP, or those whose care teams can monitor respiratory and autonomic responses after seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience measurable benefits if their SUDEP risk is unrelated to central CO2 chemoreception or if other pathways predominate.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how seizures impact central carbon dioxide sensing and breathing control, using experiments that explore serotonin-related pathways and brain regions involved in arousal. The work aims to identify mechanisms behind respiratory depression and autonomic changes after seizures, which could lead to new prevention strategies. Findings may also reveal biomarkers to flag patients at higher risk for SUDEP and guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent SUDEP and improve safety for people with severe epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked respiratory control with SUDEP risk, but the exact mechanisms and CCR involvement remain an area of active investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richerson, George B — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Richerson, George B
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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.