Investigators Workshop | Apnea Without Dyspnea Due to Stimulation of the Amygdala

Sunday, December 5, 2021
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OVERVIEW:

This workshop reviews the evidence that seizure-invasion of the amygdala can cause central apnea.  

Stimulation of the amygdala in epilepsy patients and animals leads to severe respiratory arrest, but when awake, patients are unaware that they are not breathing and are not short of breath.  

Three speakers present the latest information on:  

  1. Localization of this effect and possible involvement in the pathophysiology of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) 
  2. Possible projections of the amygdala that lead to apnea and suppress dyspnea. Defining this pathway may aid in identifying patients who are at the highest risk of death and may allow interventions to prevent SUDEP. 

Learning Objectives:

Following participation in this activity, participants will be able to: 

  • Recognize that electrical stimulation of the amygdala causes central apnea without dyspnea 
  • Explain that invasion of the amygdala by seizures may lead to SUDEP due to apnea 
  • Describe anatomical projections from the amygdala that could mediate respiratory arrest and suppress dyspnea 

Program:

Moderators: George B. Richerson, MD, PhD, FAES and Stephan Schuele, MD, FAES 

Speakers: Brian Dlouhy, MD, Nuria Lacuey Lecumberri, MD, and William Nobis, MD, PhD 

Activity Type
Investigators Workshop
Credit
Non-CME
Format
In person
Career Stage
Early Career (typically 0-5 years from completion of training)
Mid-Career (typically 6-15 years from completion of training)
Senior (typically >15 years from completion of training)
Audience
Advanced Practice Providers
Clinicians
Fellows/Trainees
Nurses
Scientists/Researchers
Technicians
Demographic
Clinical
First-time Attendees
Research
Young Professionals