Improving prediction of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Advancing SUDEP Risk Prediction Using a Multicenter Case-Control Approach

['FUNDING_R01'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-10888364

This study is looking at what might increase the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) to help keep people with epilepsy safer, by examining information from over 40,000 patients to find patterns that could predict this risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10888364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the risk factors associated with Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which is a significant concern for patients with epilepsy. By analyzing data from over 40,000 patients across 86 epilepsy monitoring centers, the study aims to identify clinical factors and biomarkers that could help predict SUDEP risk. The approach includes a retrospective multicenter case-control design, which allows for a larger sample size and more robust findings compared to single-center studies. Patients will be screened for various factors, including seizure types and EEG patterns, to better understand the mechanisms behind SUDEP.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly those experiencing generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy who do not experience seizures or have other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved risk prediction and preventive strategies for patients with epilepsy, potentially reducing the incidence of SUDEP.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on SUDEP, this multicenter approach is novel and aims to rigorously confirm associations that previous single-center studies could not.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.