North American SUDEP Registry (NASR) & Tissue Donation
When a patient with Dravet syndrome passes away from SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy), their experience can help researchers learn more about this poorly understood tragedy. DSF encourages families to reach out to the North American SUDEP Registry (NASR), which collects patient information and, when possible, tissue or blood samples for research into the mechanisms of SUDEP and potential prevention measures.
We understand that tissue donation occurs at a particularly emotional time for loved ones and that it is a personal and difficult decision that will not be right for everyone. By making this generous donation, you improve the chances of finding a cure and better treatment options for these diseases. DSF applauds the AAN’s new SUDEP guidelines, while joining other advocacy organizations in urging expanded surveillance, research, and education.
North American SUDEP Registry
The North American SUDEP Registry (NASR) seeks to help identify risk factors and mechanisms leading to sudden unexpected death in people with epilepsy (SUDEP). The registry collects DNA, brain tissue, and clinical data (e.g., medical records, EEG) for scientific studies about the causes of SUDEP. NASR collects information on cases of SUDEP regardless of how long ago the registrant may have passed away. Even though NASR may not be able to collect brain or DNA samples for older cases, tissue from older surgeries, MRIs, EEGs, and other clinical information have proven incredibly useful.
NASR is a highly collaborative organization with representation from many lay organizations (Epilepsy Foundation, CURE, Danny Did, Dravet EU, etc.) and more than 15 international academic institutions. NASR is the largest and most collaborative SUDEP registries with more than 3 full-time employees and a detailed methodology for SUDEP determination and adjudication by several epileptologists. NASR has enrolled more than 250 SUDEP cases and has brain and/or biospecimens from more than 120 SUDEP cases. A guiding principle of NASR is that clinical data and biospecimens will be shared with scientific colleagues. Learn more about this program here.
NASR has a research study on Dravet Syndrome SUDEP cases which includes a collaboration with DSF and Dravet Europe, as well as clinician scientists in Canada (Dr. Elizabeth Donner), Australia (Dr. Ingrid Scheffer), and England (Dr. Sanjay Sisodiya) and multiple US sites. The goal is to create the largest dataset on clinical, genetic and biospecimens from Dravet SUDEPs to advance our understanding and help to prevent SUDEP.
For immediate response regarding NASR tissue donations please call the toll-free number , available 24hrs/7days. For any other questions, comments or suggestions regarding NASR or SUDEP, or to schedule a telephone interview, please email the study coordinators at info@sudep-registry.org. Third parties are welcome to contact NASR with families’ information for referral, but any emails must explicitly state that the family member is aware of NASR and consents to have his/her contact information forwarded to NASR.
The principal investigator for NASR is Dr. Orrin Devinsky, director of the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Dr. Devinsky is a leader in SUDEP research and cares for numerous Dravet patients. He can be reached at or via email at od4@nyu.edu.
