Investigating the physiological events leading to sudden death in epilepsy.
Sequence of physiological events during oxygen conserving reflex activation leading to sudden death in epilepsy
This study is looking at how the body's automatic responses during seizures might lead to serious problems like sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy, and it aims to find ways to better understand and prevent these risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112388 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), a serious complication that affects many individuals with epilepsy. The study aims to explore how the autonomic nervous system responds during seizures and how this response may lead to life-threatening conditions like cardiorespiratory collapse. By measuring physiological signals in healthy, anesthetized animals, researchers will establish a baseline for how these signals change during oxygen conserving reflexes, which may provide insights into the mechanisms behind SUDEP. The findings could help identify risk factors and improve prevention strategies for those at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with epilepsy, particularly those who have experienced seizures.
Not a fit: Patients without a history of epilepsy or those who do not experience seizures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: While SUDEP is a well-documented phenomenon, this specific approach to studying the physiological mechanisms involved is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koliatsos, Vassilis E — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Koliatsos, Vassilis E
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 below.