Improving breathing to prevent sudden death in epilepsy
Official title: Breathing Rescue for SUDEP Prevention (BreatheS)
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-10889976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to help people with severe epilepsy breathe better after a seizure to prevent sudden unexpected death, and it’s for patients who are considering surgery for their epilepsy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $597,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133743-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with medically refractory epilepsy who are undergoing intracranial monitoring for epilepsy surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled epilepsy or those not undergoing surgical evaluation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a serious risk for individuals with uncontrolled epilepsy. It aims to understand how the brain controls breathing during critical moments after a seizure, particularly when patients are at risk of respiratory failure. By using advanced brain monitoring techniques, the study will explore ways to enhance breathing and prevent life-threatening complications. Patients with severe epilepsy who are undergoing evaluation for surgery will be monitored to gather important data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of SUDEP and improve the safety and quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding brain mechanisms related to breathing can lead to effective interventions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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
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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.