Using rose scent to reduce breathing pauses during seizures
Effect of 2-phenylethanol Odor Exposure on Ictal Apneic Episode Occurrence Rate in Patients With Epilepsy
EARLY_PHASE1 · Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT07116421
This study will test whether continuous exposure to rose scent can reduce breathing pauses (ictal apnea) during seizures in adults with epilepsy who are being monitored in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Phase | EARLY_PHASE1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT07116421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults admitted to the epilepsy monitoring unit will have 24 hours of routine EEG and respiratory monitoring followed by 24 hours of continuous rose scent exposure via an essential oil diffuser while monitoring continues. Participants will wear a respiratory belt across the upper chest throughout the 48-hour period to measure breathing and researchers will compare respiratory and EEG data between the baseline and scent-exposure periods. The protocol enrolls adults undergoing observational EEG monitoring without medication changes and does not introduce other seizure interventions. The study aims to identify whether olfactory exposure to rose odor alters the frequency or severity of ictal apnea events.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adult epilepsy patients admitted to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center EMU for at least 48 hours of observational EEG monitoring without planned medication changes are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children, patients not admitted to the Vanderbilt EMU, those not undergoing at least 48 hours of observational monitoring, and people with known allergy or strong intolerance to rose scent may not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce seizure-related breathing problems and potentially lower the risk of SUDEP by preventing or shortening ictal apnea.
How similar studies have performed: Some small human studies of olfactory modulation (for example, lavender exposure) have suggested antiepileptic effects, but evidence specifically linking scent exposure to reduced ictal apnea or SUDEP risk is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult epilepsy patients over the age of 18 * Admission to the inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) * Undergoing observational EEG monitoring without treatment involving seizure medication changes or other interventions for at least 48 hours Exclusion Criteria: * Patients under the age of 18 * Patients receiving EEG monitoring without interventions from baseline for less than 48 hours * Patients who are not receiving EEG monitoring as a part of their inpatient admission.
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brigitte Jia, BA
- Email: brigitte.jia@vanderbilt.edu
- Phone: 925-378-9234
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Epilepsy, Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy, SUDEP