Testing body odor patterns to predict epileptic seizures

Researchers are investigating whether people with epilepsy release specific odors—called volatile organic compounds—that could signal when a seizure is about to occur. The study builds on evidence from trained seizure-alert dogs that can detect these odors. By collecting and analyzing breath and body odor samples from people during video-EEG monitoring, the research team hopes to develop a non-invasive way to predict seizures before they happen.

Epileptic seizures are unpredictable and cause significant stress and safety concerns for people living with epilepsy. If researchers can identify reliable odor patterns that signal an incoming seizure, doctors could eventually help patients prevent falls and injuries, allow some people to drive safely, and reduce emergency medical costs.