ION CHANNELS IN EPILEPSY - The identification of genetic risk factors that predispose
an individual to epilepsy and to sudden death (Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA)
SUDEP is a catastrophic complication of epilepsy.
The mechanism of SUDEP is not fully understood. There is evidence that genetic factors
may predispose an individual to epilepsy and to SUDEP.
Dr Goldman is a neurologist, specialized in the field of epilepsy. She and
her colleagues at The Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, are conducting a research study called “Ion
Channels in Epilepsy”. The aim of this research is to identify genetic risk factors that predispose
an individual to epilepsy and to sudden death. The study is funded by The National Institute of Health
(NIH) and The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
In order to perform this research, investigators need blood samples or a small
piece of fresh tissue from patients that died as a result of their seizure disorder.
If you would like to learn more about this study, or for participation, please contact the study
coordinator Ms Melissa Lambeth via Email or on Tel: [001] 713-798-2227.
Dr Goldman and her colleagues very much appreciate
your consideration of their research. Your support of their efforts is extremely important. It
is a contribution towards a better understanding of epilepsy and towards the future design of preventative strategies that
will, hopefully, eliminate unnecessary loss of lives due to SUDEP.
Source: Correspondence with Dr Alica Goldman,
March 2009
In October 2009, the
group reported finding the first gene that might explain SUDEP:
"Marker for SUDEP"
webcast, Jeffrey Noebels, Epilepsy Pipeline Update Conference (Feb 26, 2010)
Baylor College of Medicine's
news release (Oct 14)
Reuters UK's news article (Oct 14)
Epilepsy Research UK's news coverage (Nov 18)
