Volatile non-Invasive Biomarkers of Epileptic Seizures
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Volatile non-Invasive Biomarkers of Epileptic Seizures
IRAS ID
285913
Contact name
Matthew Walker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCLH/UCL Joint Research Office, part of the Research Directorate
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
A fifth of people labelled as having epilepsy are misdiagnosed, yet there is no easy-to-use diagnostic test for use in emergencies by ambulance and A&E teams. Recent research has shown that small molecules released from the body in breath and sebum can be used to detect different diseases. One study found that dogs can detect differences in the smell of those who have had epileptic seizures from those who have not. Such breath tests have been used to detect cancers.
In this study, we will collect breath and sebum samples from patients who have been admitted to hospital for detailed assessment of their potential seizures using video and constant recording of their brain waves. Breath and sebum samples will be collected before and at specific time points (10 minutes, 1 hour and 3 hours) after a seizure/attack. We will analyse the small molecules within breath and sebum samples of patients who have had epileptic seizures and non-epileptic events (such as faints and non-epileptic seizures) to determine if we can distinguish these events.
If successful, this could be turned into a simple test (like a breathalyser) that could be used in emergencies for diagnosing epilepsy. This test is intended to be easy to administer, accurate, affordable and acceptable to patients.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0808
Date of REC Opinion
20 Jan 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion