The Role of Central CO2 Chemosensitivity in Postictal Respiratory Depression and SUDEP
The purpose of this research study is to better understand what causes Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This study will enroll subjects from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and Epilepsy Clinics. The investigators will analyze the effects of seizures on breathing, on the cardiovascular system, and on arousal. The investigators are studying these effects because some cases of SUDEP might be due, in part, to an inability to wake up or sense elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels when breathing is impaired. Subjects will be followed for ten years after enrollment to monitor their health.
• The subject is between 18 and 99 years of age.
• Confirmed or suspected epilepsy.
• Admission to the EMU for spell characterization (EMU group) or undergoing care in the University of Iowa Health Care Epilepsy Clinic.