Investigating brain networks affecting breathing and heart function in epilepsy
Official title: State-dependent connectivity of impaired autonomic brain networks underlying cardiorespiratory dysfunction in epilepsy
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11165619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain's control of breathing and heart function is impacted in people with temporal lobe epilepsy, to help us understand why some patients face serious risks like sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS143413-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11165619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy, particularly those experiencing tonic-clonic seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with epilepsy who do not experience tonic-clonic seizures or those with other types of epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how brain networks that control breathing and heart function are affected in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. By using advanced imaging techniques and monitoring cardiorespiratory activity, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that lead to dysfunction during and between seizures. The goal is to identify how these disruptions contribute to serious risks like sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Patients will be monitored for their brain activity and physiological responses to better understand these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing life-threatening complications in epilepsy patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain network disruptions in epilepsy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pourmotabbed, Haatef — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Pourmotabbed, Haatef
Related research
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-
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A national effort to collect and share large, multi‑modal brain data from people with medication‑resistant epilepsy to speed discoveries and improve treatment options.
-
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A study in zebrafish will model human epilepsy genes to help explain how certain brain mutations contribute to seizures.
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New MRI tools to better plan pediatric epilepsy surgery
A new MRI-based approach helps doctors decide the best time to surgically remove brain tissue in children with difficult-to-control seizures.
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Sahel Epilepsy Study: finding patterns in epilepsy in rural Africa and its links to genes
A plan to study epilepsy in rural Nigeria to discover how common it is, what factors affect risk, and how genetics may influence it, with results that could improve care for people with epilepsy.
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.