Investigating the causes and outcomes of childhood status epilepticus in Africa
Official title: Childhood Status Epilepticus and Epilepsy Determinants of Outcome (SEED) – EEG and MRI Supplement
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11003575 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to better understand and treat children in Nigeria who experience a serious condition called status epilepticus, with the goal of finding ways to help them recover and improve their long-term health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $183,440 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS118483-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003575 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who experience status epilepticus, particularly those presenting in emergency departments in northern Nigeria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 0-11 years or those not experiencing status epilepticus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding childhood status epilepticus (SE), a serious neurological emergency that affects children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aims to identify clinical and genomic predictors of mortality and neurodevelopmental issues associated with SE. By establishing a large cohort of children presenting with SE in pediatric emergency rooms in Kano, Nigeria, the research will analyze various factors, including the effectiveness of benzodiazepines in treating SE. The findings could lead to improved treatment protocols and better outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of childhood status epilepticus, ultimately reducing mortality and improving quality of life for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on childhood SE in this region is novel, similar research has shown success in understanding neurological emergencies in other populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trevathan, Edwin — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Trevathan, Edwin
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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.