UVA Receives $9.3 Million Grant to Study Ketamine’s Potential in Preventing Epileptic Seizures
The University of Virginia (UVA) has received a $9.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to study ketamine as a potential treatment for status epilepticus. The research will focus on whether the drug can stop prolonged seizures when standard treatments fail. Status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition where seizures last longer than five minutes or occur back-to-back without recovery. If left untreated, it can cause brain damage or death.
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Addressing an Urgent Need
Existing treatments for status epilepticus often fall short. Benzodiazepines, the standard first-line drugs, fail in up to 40 percent of cases. When that happens, patients require intensive care, mechanical ventilation, and additional medications that carry significant risks. The UVA study aims to determine whether ketamine, a well-known anesthetic, can intervene more effectively and with fewer complications.
Ketamine works by blocking NMDA receptors in the brain. These receptors play a key role in the spread of seizures. Unlike traditional anti-seizure medications, ketamine does not depress breathing, which could make it a safer alternative in critical situations. The researchers hope to establish whether early ketamine use could prevent seizures from escalating to a dangerous stage.
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Investigating Mechanisms and Effectiveness
The grant will fund both laboratory research and clinical studies. Scientists will examine how ketamine interacts with brain circuits during seizures. They will also explore whether factors such as age or preexisting conditions influence its effectiveness.
A major part of the study will involve testing different dosages to identify an optimal balance between seizure control and side effects. Ketamine is already used in emergency medicine, but its role in treating status epilepticus is not yet well understood. This research aims to fill that gap.
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Potential for a Paradigm Shift
If successful, the study could change how emergency physicians treat prolonged seizures. A more effective intervention could reduce hospital stays, lower the need for intensive care, and improve survival rates.
UVA researchers emphasize that their findings could also have broader implications. The study may provide insights into other neurological conditions involving NMDA receptor activity, including traumatic brain injuries and certain psychiatric disorders.
While ketamine’s potential is promising, the research is still in its early stages. The next few years will determine whether the drug can offer a safer, more reliable option for patients facing life-threatening seizures.