SUDEP Institute
What is SUDEP?
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is said to occur when a person with epilepsy dies unexpectedly and was previously in their usual state of health. The death is not known to be related to an accident or seizure emergency such as status epilepticus. When an autopsy is done, no other of cause of death can be found. Each year, more than 1 out of 1,000 people with epilepsy die from SUDEP. However, it occurs more frequently in people with epilepsy whose seizures are poorly controlled.
The Epilepsy Foundation’s SUDEP Institute works to prevent SUDEP and support people bereaved by SUDEP and other epilepsy-related deaths.
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Donate to the SUDEP Institute NowWhat does the SUDEP Institute do?
- Carries out SUDEP education and awareness for people impacted by epilepsy and medical professionals
- Drives and supports research into the causes of and ways to prevent SUDEP
- Offers bereavement support services and an online community for those affected by SUDEP
- Works together with other epilepsy organizations to find the answers to SUDEP and help families with epilepsy
Why did the Epilepsy Foundation create the SUDEP Institute?
Everyone is aware of the dangers of fire and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Yet each year, SUDEP kills more Americans than either of these. The Epilepsy Foundation understands and places a priority on the importance of educating and supporting everyone affected by epilepsy, including those who have lost.
Sadly, many people living with epilepsy have never heard of SUDEP. While research shows people with epilepsy say they want more information on SUDEP, many medical professionals rarely talk about it. The SUDEP Institute was formed in 2013 to drive awareness and education among those living with epilepsy, their caregivers, physicians, medical examiners and the public. We believe that by building awareness and working together, we can prevent SUDEP.
Who can benefit from the work of the SUDEP Institute?
- Individuals and families living with epilepsy
- Families whose loved one has died due to epilepsy
- Epilepsy specialists, neurologists, primary care physicians, and nurses
- Coroners, medical examiners, and first responders
- Researchers
Who is involved with the SUDEP Institute?
The Epilepsy Foundation SUDEP Institute works with leading epilepsy organizations to promote information sharing and facilitate coordination and collaboration. We believe that by working together we can more quickly raise awareness, drive research and promote prevention. The SUDEP Institute is transparent in its efforts and is eager to share materials and knowledge that advance the field. Our current partners include American Epilepsy Society, CDC, CURE, Danny Did Foundation, NIH/NINDS, North American SUDEP Registry, SUDEP Aware, SUDEP Action, epilepsy experts and many other epilepsy organizations worldwide.
Contact us to learn more about the SUDEP Institute and how you and your organization can help us prevent epilepsy mortality.
Executive Leadership Team
The SUDEP Institute Executive Leadership team is made up of a group of people who help set the vision, strategic direction and annual operating budget. This group is made up of key Epilepsy Foundation leadership and other members from the community.
Orrin Devinsky MD
Professor of Neurology, NYU School of Medicine
Director, NYU Epilepsy Center & North American SUDEP Registry
Roch Doliveux DVM
UCB Board of Directors
Vice President, European Federation of Pharmaceutical Association Board
Elizabeth Donner MD, FRCPC
SickKids, Division of Neurology
Co-founder, SUDEP Aware
Dan Friedman MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, NYU Langone Medical Center
SUDEP Editor for epilepsy.com
Gardiner Lapham RN, MPH
A mother who lost her son to SUDEP
Susan Linn
President & CEO, Epilepsy Foundation of New England
Eileen Murray
Executive Director, American Epilepsy Society
John Popovich
A father who lost his son to SUDEP
Philippe Ryvlin MD, PhD
Professor of Neurology, Lyon University, France
Co-Founder, Institute for Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy
Director, Translational and Integrative Group in Epilepsy Research
Robert W. Smith
Interim Chief Executive Officer and Immediate Past Chair of the Board
Tom Stanton
Executive Director, Danny Did Foundation
Vicky Whittemore, PhD (NINDS Liaison)
Program Director, Channels, Synapses and Circuits Cluster, NINDS/NIH
Steve Wulchin
Board Member, Epilepsy Foundation
A father who lost his son to SUDEP
Learn More:
Donate to Support the SUDEP InstituteResources
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Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.
Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline
Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.
Tools & Forms
Download our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials.
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