Specific subcortical structures are activated during seizure-induced death in a model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP): A manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging study.

•Seizure-induced respiratory arrest (S-IRA) activity changes were imaged in DBA/1 mice.•S-IRA induced activity increases in raphe, amygdala, and periaqueductal gray sites.•S-IRA also caused increased activity in specific subcortical respiratory nuclei.•Increased activity in respiratory-related nuclei may reflect compensatory mechanisms.•DBA/1 imaging data are consistent with imaging changes in human SUDEP.