Breathing techniques to prevent seizure-related breathing failure

Breathing Rescue for SUDEP Prevention (BreatheS)

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05981755

This study is testing breathing techniques to see if they can help people with hard-to-treat epilepsy breathe better during seizures.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05981755 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify and map the brain networks involved in regulating respiration to prevent breathing failure during seizures in patients with intractable focal epilepsy. Participants will undergo brain mapping and stimulation techniques while performing specific breathing tasks. The goal is to pinpoint the brain areas that can be targeted for stimulation to enhance respiratory function during seizures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with intractable focal epilepsy who are admitted for invasive video-EEG monitoring.

Not a fit: Patients with respiratory, cardiac, or cerebrovascular diseases, as well as pregnant individuals and prisoners, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of seizure-induced breathing failure in patients with focal epilepsy.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies exploring brain stimulation for seizure management have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of intractable focal epilepsy
* admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center for intracranial subdural strips, grids, or depth electrode placement study (invasive video-EEG)

Exclusion Criteria:

* respiratory, cardiac or cerebrovascular disease
* pregnancy
* prisoners

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Focal Epilepsy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.