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
