Hidden heart genes may trigger sudden death in epilepsy patients
NCT ID NCT02824822
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study from Mayo Clinic looks for genetic heart conditions in people with epilepsy that might raise the risk of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). Researchers will analyze DNA from 600 adults aged 18-50 with epilepsy or related symptoms, plus their blood relatives. The goal is to find inherited heart rhythm disorders that could be silently contributing to fatal seizures.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this study could help identify epilepsy patients at highest risk for sudden unexpected death, potentially leading to targeted monitoring or preventive strategies.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational genetic study, not a treatment trial. It may not find clear genetic links, and any findings would need further research before changing clinical practice.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 600 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Start date
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May 2016
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
Men and women diagnosed with epilepsy or seizures or unexplained syncope and blood relatives.
- Ages
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18 to 50 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ages 18 - 50 with a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizures, or syncope or drowning or cardiac arrest or sudden death or an abnormal ECG suggestive of an arrhythmia * Blood-relatives (Aged 18+) of a patient with a history of epilepsy, seizure, cardiac arrest, sudden death, drowning, syncope or arrhythmia Exclusion Criteria: * Those who are unable to provide written consent. * Prisoners (vulnerable population) * Seizures secondary to ischemic events * Traumatic brain injury resulting in seizures * History of cranial surgery * History of brain tumor
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Mayo Clinic
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a Comfort-Focused education program improve life with epilepsy?
- Can video games rewire young brains after injury?
- High-Fat Diet's effect on epilepsy: scientists track brain signals
- Armband heart monitor takes on the holter in Head-to-Head test