Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

Identifying seizure events through breath and sweat analysis

Official title: Volatile Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Epileptic Seizures

Run by University College London Hospitals · NCT05725174 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether analyzing breath and sweat samples can help doctors tell the difference between real seizures and other similar events in patients who have just had a seizure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment270 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity College London Hospitals
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (London, Buckinghamshire and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 30, 2023
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2025
Study endsNovember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedDecember 6, 2024
Trial IDNCT05725174 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been admitted for seizure diagnosis at specified hospitals.

Probably not a fit

Patients with active infections, on immunosuppressive medications, or unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to collect breath and sweat samples from patients admitted to hospitals after experiencing potential seizures. The researchers will analyze these samples to identify patterns of small molecules that can differentiate between epileptic seizures and other events, potentially determining the severity of the seizure. By developing a non-invasive 'seizure test', the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy for patients experiencing seizure-like events.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a reliable non-invasive method for diagnosing epileptic seizures, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been used to detect other diseases, this specific method for seizure detection is novel and untested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who have been admitted to either University College London's Queen's Square EEG-telemetry unit or Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, for diagnosis of seizure events.
2. Patients aged 18 years or above

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with active infection or who have taken antibiotics within 4 weeks
2. Patients on immunosuppressive medications
3. Patients with co-morbidities preventing breath collection
4. Patients unable to provide informed consent.

Where it's running

  • Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy
    London, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting
  • National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
    London, London, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Matthew Walker, MB BChir FRCP — Professor
  • Study coordinator: Eleonora Lugara, PhD
  • Email: e.lugara@ucl.ac.uk
  • Phone: 02031089108

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.