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-10991780 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how seizures in people with epilepsy can affect the body's ability to breathe properly after a seizure, which might help us understand and prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).
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) | $65,564 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS129722-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991780 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with refractory epilepsy, particularly those with temporal lobe epilepsy or Dravet Syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled epilepsy or those not experiencing seizures 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 during recovery. By using mouse models of temporal lobe epilepsy and Dravet Syndrome, the study aims to understand the relationship between seizures, arousal, and respiratory function. The researchers will assess how different sleep states influence the impairment of arousal in response to CO2 after seizures, which could provide insights into preventing SUDEP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between arousal mechanisms and sudden death in epilepsy, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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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.