Identifying times when seizures are more likely to occur
Official title: Molecular determinants of high seizure risk times
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10989045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how and when seizures happen in people with epilepsy by tracking their brain activity, so we can better predict when they might have a seizure and improve their treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $372,625 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS135477-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly those who experience drug-resistant seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy who have well-controlled seizures or those without a diagnosis of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the patterns of seizure occurrence in epilepsy patients by analyzing their brain activity over time. Using advanced machine learning techniques, the study aims to identify specific periods when patients are at higher risk for seizures, known as high seizure risk (HiSR) times. By continuously monitoring brain activity through EEG, the researchers hope to predict these critical moments, which could lead to better management and treatment strategies for epilepsy. The findings could also enhance our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms of seizures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved seizure prediction and management for patients with epilepsy, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using machine learning for seizure prediction, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in epilepsy management.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roopra, Avtar S — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Roopra, Avtar S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
BRAVE Innovation Center for Viral Resistance in Chickens
A center at UW–Madison aims to create chickens genetically resistant to avian viruses like H5N1 by identifying host genes involved in virus replication using genome-wide CRISPR screening.
-
Center to Fight Vector-Borne Diseases in the Midwest
A Midwest program brings researchers, public health teams, and vector-control groups together to prevent diseases spread by ticks and mosquitoes.
-
Globally useful predictor for cervical cancer treatment response
This project aims to develop a simple predictive signature to personalize treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer using easy tests and imaging.
-
Neutrophil development with stem cells to understand their behavior
Researchers are studying how neutrophils, a type of immune cell, develop from stem cells to better understand why they can help or harm in infections and inflammatory diseases.
-
WREN: Expanding Research Capacity in Rural Primary Care Clinics
A nationwide network in Wisconsin will strengthen rural primary care clinics to participate in real-world research and bring more clinical trials to communities.
-
Targeting early oral GVHD to improve mouth health after stem cell transplant
A study at UW–Madison will explore why some transplant patients develop painful oral GVHD and test ideas to prevent and lessen mouth-related problems.
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.