Your nose knows: can smell predict seizures?

NCT ID NCT05865561

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether people with epilepsy release specific odors that can predict a seizure before it happens. Researchers will collect skin swabs from 100 adults with drug-resistant epilepsy during and between seizures. The goal is to identify the chemical 'signature' of these odors, which could one day lead to a simple, non-invasive seizure prediction tool.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

VOC sampling (skin swab)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a non-invasive way to predict seizures minutes to hours in advance, improving safety and quality of life for people with epilepsy.

What could go wrong

This is an early, small study (100 people) focused on identifying odors, not yet testing a prediction device. The results may not apply to all seizure types or people.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for EPILEPSY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild

    RECRUITING

    Paris, 75019, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Institut La Teppe

    RECRUITING

    Tain-l'Hermitage, 26600, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact