RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Volatile Non-Invasive Biomarkers of Epileptic Seizures

This research is exploring a new way to help doctors understand if someone has had an epileptic seizure or something else. When people come to hospital after a suspected seizure, the doctors will collect samples of their breath and sweat. The scientists will then carefully analyse these samples to look for specific tiny molecules. The hope is to find a unique pattern of these molecules that acts like a 'fingerprint' for epileptic seizures. This could make it easier to diagnose seizures correctly and quickly. If successful, this method might also help doctors understand how severe a seizure was, leading to better and more personalised care for patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College London Hospitals

Enrolment target

270

Start

30 Jan 2023

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2026

Epilepsy Non-Epileptic Seizure

What is this study about?

When someone has an event that looks like a seizure, it can sometimes be difficult for doctors to be absolutely sure whether it was an epileptic seizure or another type of event. Getting the right diagnosis is very important because it helps people get the correct treatment and support. Currently, there isn't a simple test that can be done after an event to confirm what happened.

This study is trying to change that. Researchers have noticed that our bodies release tiny molecules in our breath and sweat, and these molecules can give clues about our health. For example, similar methods have been used to help detect conditions like cancer. This research aims to see if the same idea can be used for seizures. By collecting breath and sweat samples from people who have recently had a suspected seizure, the researchers will try to find a unique combination of these molecules that tells them an epileptic seizure has occurred.

The main goal is to develop a quicker and more reliable way to identify epileptic seizures. This could mean fewer wrong diagnoses, faster access to the right treatment, and a clearer understanding for patients and their families about what's happening. It might also help doctors understand if a seizure was mild or severe, which could guide future care decisions.

Key takeaways

This study is looking for specific molecules in breath and sweat after a suspected seizure.
The goal is to find a 'fingerprint' to help diagnose epileptic seizures more accurately.
Participation involves giving breath and sweat samples during a hospital stay.
The study aims to improve diagnosis for future patients, not for your immediate health.
There are very few risks involved, as sample collection is non-invasive.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and currently staying at specific hospital units: either University College London's Queen's Square EEG-telemetry unit or the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy. These units specialise in diagnosing seizure events.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have an active infection or have taken antibiotics in the last four weeks, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you are taking medications that suppress your immune system, or if there's a medical reason that makes it difficult for you to give a breath sample, you wouldn't be able to participate.

Finally, it's very important that you are able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. This is called 'informed consent'. If you aren't able to give this consent, you wouldn't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently admitted to University College London's Queen's Square EEG-telemetry unit or the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy?
Do you currently have an active infection or have you taken antibiotics in the last 4 weeks?
Are you able to understand the study and agree to take part?
Are you taking any medications that suppress your immune system?
Do you have a medical condition that would make it difficult to collect a breath sample?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve collecting samples of your breath and sweat. This will happen while you are already staying in the hospital for your suspected seizure diagnosis. The research team will guide you through the process of providing these samples. There will be no extra visits or special assessments just for this study; everything will happen during your existing hospital stay. You won't need to take any new medications as part of this study, and there won't be any specific follow-up appointments after you leave the hospital relating to this research. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time taken to collect your breath and sweat samples during your hospital admission.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of taking part in this study are indirect. Your participation won't directly improve your own health or treatment, but the information gained from your samples will help researchers develop better diagnostic tools for future patients with seizures. This could lead to more accurate and faster diagnoses for many people. There are very few risks associated with this study; collecting breath and sweat samples is a non-invasive process and should not cause any discomfort beyond what you might experience with any hospital procedure. Remember, you can decide to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting
National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'biomarker'?

A biomarker is like a tiny clue in your body, like a molecule, that doctors can measure to get information about your health or a condition you might have.

Will taking part in this study affect my treatment?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care or treatment you receive for your suspected seizure.

How long will the sample collection take?

Collecting the breath and sweat samples is usually a quick process and will be done during your existing hospital stay.

Will I get to see my results?

The results from analysing individual samples won't be given back to participants. The findings will be used for research to help develop new diagnostic methods for everyone.

Where does this research take place?

This research is taking place at specific units within University College London's Queen's Square EEG-telemetry unit and the Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy in the UK.

How to find out more

Eleonora Lugara, PhD

e.lugara@ucl.ac.uk 02031089108 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.