Sodium Channel Mutation Linked to SUDEP

Researchers at the University of Arizona report that they have identified a novel mutation in a sodium channel protein that appears to be linked to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The mutation was discovered by the researchers when they conducted a gene sequencing of the DNA of a patient who had died as a result of SUDEP. The research team plans to conduct an extensive study of patient DNA to more clearly establish the role of the mutation in causing SUDEP.

The research findings will be published in the March issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics. A link to the article will be provided when the issue is available.

Read the press release here.