Investigating how seizures affect arousal and recovery in epilepsy
Official title: Serotonergic circuit mechanisms in postictal recovery and arousal
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10989967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how seizures can affect the body's ability to handle carbon dioxide, which might help explain why some people with epilepsy experience sudden unexpected death; it's aimed at finding ways to keep patients safer and improve their health.
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 | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $470,774 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129722-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with refractory epilepsy, particularly those experiencing temporal lobe epilepsy or Dravet Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled epilepsy or those not experiencing significant seizure activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), focusing on how seizures impair the body's ability to respond to carbon dioxide levels, which may lead to life-threatening situations. Using mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and Dravet Syndrome, the study aims to understand the relationship between seizures, arousal, and respiratory function. By examining these interactions, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could improve patient safety and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, enhancing the safety and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding seizure-related mechanisms in animal models, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buchanan, Gordon F — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Buchanan, Gordon F
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.