Preventing epilepsy after a severe prolonged seizure by calming brain inflammation

Inflammatory regulation of epileptogenesis after status epilepticus

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR · NIH-11237179

Seeing whether calming inflammation right after a severe prolonged seizure can lower the chance of developing long-term epilepsy in adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11237179 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project looks at how the inflammation that follows status epilepticus (a prolonged, dangerous seizure) can cause lasting changes that lead to epilepsy. Researchers will examine inflammatory signals in blood and brain tissue and use laboratory models to trace which molecules (for example, TNF-α and related pathways) drive the development of seizures over time. The team aims to identify measurable markers and targets that could be treated shortly after a severe seizure to block epilepsy-causing processes. Results are intended to guide future trials of anti-inflammatory treatments to prevent epilepsy after status epilepticus.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults who have recently survived status epilepticus or a prolonged convulsive seizure would be the most likely candidates for related participation or future therapies.

Not a fit: People with long-standing, well-established epilepsy or seizures not linked to a recent status epilepticus episode are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments given after a severe seizure that reduce the chance of developing chronic epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies and some early human research link post-seizure inflammation to later epilepsy and show promise for anti-inflammatory approaches, but proven prevention in people remains limited.

Where this research is happening

MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.