Understanding how seizures affect breathing and consciousness
Official title: Inhibition of central CO2 chemoreception by seizures: Effects on ventilation, cardiovascular control and postictal recovery of consciousness
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11079660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people with epilepsy experience sudden unexpected death, focusing on how seizures might affect breathing and heart function, and it aims to find new ways to help those at higher risk.
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 | September 15, 2019 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $808,236 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS113764-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11079660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with refractory epilepsy who have experienced generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with well-controlled epilepsy or those who do not experience seizures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), focusing on how seizures can lead to respiratory arrest and autonomic dysfunction. By studying the role of serotonin neurons in regulating breathing and arousal, the research aims to uncover why some seizures result in severe outcomes while others do not. The approach includes measuring the hypercapnic ventilatory response in patients to assess their risk. Ultimately, the goal is to develop new treatments and identify biomarkers for patients at higher risk of SUDEP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent SUDEP and improve the safety of patients with epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of SUDEP are still being explored, related research has shown promise in understanding seizure impacts on respiratory function and autonomic control.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richerson, George B — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Richerson, George B
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new mobile app helps doctors remotely diagnose and monitor childhood absence epilepsy using guided hyperventilation and video analysis to speed up treatment.
-
Seizures and long-term outcomes after childhood stroke
This project looks at whether early seizures and inflammation after a childhood stroke are linked to later epilepsy and recovery in kids up to 19 years old.
-
Using the brain’s natural connector to detect and prevent seizures
A study at Case Western Reserve University is exploring whether gently stimulating a natural brain pathway called the corpus callosum can help identify where seizures start and stop them from spreading in people with hard-to-control epilepsy.
-
Disentangling How Inhibitory Brain Cells Shape Seizures in People
This NIH grant tests how specific brain cells that normally calm the brain influence seizures in adults, using advanced optical methods in living subjects.
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.