Genetic-Based Cardiac Arrythmia as a Risk Factor for SUDEP

There is evidence suggesting that a combination of epilepsy and changes in genes associated with heart conditions could increase the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). This has been difficult to test in humans. Associate Professor Chris Reid and his team will develop new rodent models which replicate having both epilepsy and a genetic heart abnormality, and compare these for incidence of SUDEP against existing models. This novel work could identify key risk factors for this frightening condition and provide the starting point for treatment.