Ion Channels in Epilepsy: Identification of the genetic risk factors that predispose an individual to epilepsy and to sudden death, by Dr. Alica Goldman, Neurologist, The Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine

Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy, or 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. Alica Goldman is a neurologist specialized in the field of epilepsy. She and her colleagues at The Department of Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine are conducting a research study called “Ion Channels in Epilepsy.” The aim of the research is the identification of the genetic risk factors that predispose an individual to epilepsy and to sudden death. This study is funded by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

In order to perform this research, the investigators need blood samples or a small pieces of tissue from patients that have 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 at lambeth@bcm.tmc.edu or 713-798-2227.

Support of this effort is very important. It is a contribution towards a better understanding epilepsy and contributes to a future design of preventative strategies that will hopefully eliminate unnecessary loss of lives due to sudden death in epilepsy.