The Epilepsy Research Institute is pleased to share the news of a vital new study, generously funded by the James Lewis Foundation, to address one of the most urgent challenges in epilepsy—Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).
Led by Professor Sameer Zuberi at the Royal Hospital for Children and the University of Glasgow, the 18‑month Endeavour Project will test whether a small, chest‑worn biosensor can detect dangerous breathing problems during and after seizures.
SUDEP occurs when a person stops breathing during or shortly after a seizure. Families affected by epilepsy have long called for better ways to monitor breathing and provide reassurance that help can be given quickly.
The device being studied, Pneumowave, is the size of a 50p coin and attaches to the chest via an ECG patch. Originally designed to detect life‑threatening pauses in breathing in hospital patients, it has already been tested in children with complex conditions.
The research will involve two groups:
- Children undergoing inpatient video‑EEG monitoring in Glasgow
- People with Dravet Syndrome, a rare epilepsy with a high risk of SUDEP, monitored at home overnight for up to four weeks
Data from the device will transfer securely to a cloud platform and be analysed alongside EEG results and seizure diaries. Focus groups with carers, people with epilepsy, and organisations such as Dravet Syndrome UK and SUDEP Action will ensure patient voices shape the study.
If successful, this technology could be developed into an alarm system to alert carers or family members, offering reassurance and potentially saving lives.
We are deeply grateful to the James Lewis Foundation for making this research possible. As of August 2025, the study is already underway and findings are set to be shared widely across the epilepsy community and at leading scientific meetings. To find out more about this project, please contact: [email protected]